ROSTER REVIEW – DEFENSE, PART 3
Help from Bridgeport
The Islanders’ defense for 2008-09 will be probably be underrated in most season previews in the media and likely even by their opponents. Let’s make the leap that the D will look something close to this:
Witt – Martinek
Streit – Hillen
Sutton – Meyer
Campoli (inj.), Gervais
Of course, what’s missing is a 30-minute, all-zone stud that many contenders have (although Carolina did not when they won the Cup). As the Islanders build, Garth Snow will have to decide when the time is right to add one. They do not have one in the system. Snow’s next opportunity – since the Islanders are way under the cap – will be in the first round of the 2009 draft in June and if Jay Bouwmeester becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.
After the Islanders’ back 8, the team could run into trouble during the year if there is an injury crisis. If Jack Hillen (on a two-way deal) starts the year in Bridgeport (AHL), he may be the only other dman on the roster you could play in an NHL game and feel reasonably confident. Beyond Hillen, the Islanders have just one home-grown prospect that could play in the NHL at some point this season: Dustin Kohn.
The 21-year old Kohn is not ready to play long stretches at the NHL level and his development could be hindered if he is asked to do too much too soon. Since the Islanders are committed to developing their prospects, they will not rush Kohn into the lineup just because they may be shorthanded on defense.
If the Islanders choose to go with veteran American Leaguers as injury substitutes before giving Hillen and Kohn NHL time, the choice would likely come down to three new Bridgeport Sound Tigers:
Joe Callahan
Chris Lee
Brett Skinner
Callahan is coming off a strong regular season and eye-opening playoff with Portland and, at 26, may be the Sound Tiger most ready for the occasional promotion.
Lee had a solid season with Iowa and – heck – the 27-year old played three years for SUNY-Potsdam, so how can you not root for him?
Skinner is a 25-year old former Canucks prospect who has tantalized scouts in the past and had his best season as a pro last year under Scott Gordon with the Providence Bruins.
These three young men combine for a grand total of zero games of National Hockey League regular season experience. This is where Kenny Morrow and the pro scouts earn their money, or get grief at their year-end reviews.
An option for Snow is to add a player via a trade or the waiver wire when the need arises. It makes no sense to do a deal before the season even gets started because then you have a Freddy Meyer situation where someone you want to keep has to clear waivers. Snow will likely have his list ready, check the wire daily, and could easily make a move when he really has to.
There is no doubt in my mind that at some point during the season Snow will have to.
No way Hillen should get the opportunity over Gervais. I like Hillen, but Gervais has shown that he has the tools to be a quality 2 way defenseman and has more experience. He also looked good the other night.
Brett Skinner will be the first call up when they have a rash of injuries and I predict WILL NOT be sent back down.