THE CHRONICLES OF SARNIA II
Sting GM Alan Millar on Katic, Martin, DiBo
by Chris Botta
One week after we provided an analysis of the three Islanders draft picks with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, Point Blank contacted Sarnia GM Alan Millar to get his take on the trio.
Mark Katic: 2007 third round pick
“I’m really proud of Mark this year,” said Millar. “Because he’s 5-10, people think it all has to be about his offensive stats. But Mark’s game has evolved into much more than that. His defense has become excellent, and he’s still among the top dozen D scorers in the Ontario Hockey League. I’ve said that if there was such a thing as a ‘third assist,’ Mark would lead the league in scoring because his first pass is so instrumental in our success. His skating and his poise get us out of trouble every time.
“He’s grown so much as a player and a man. He was definitely disappointed when he wasn’t invited to the camp for Team Canada, but that was their loss. What I really liked about Mark’s attitude was that as upset as he had every right to be, he refused to take one step back. He went the other direction, turned the setback into a positive. That tells you a lot about what Mark’s made of.
“Mark will be ready to turn pro at the end of this season. I’m sure he’ll need the proper amount of development time in Bridgeport, but he has the potential to be a very good player for the Islanders.”
Matt Martin, 2008 fifth round pick
“There is no question in my mind that Matt Martin will play for the New York Islanders,” said Millar with complete confidence.
“He has come so far for us. Two years ago he was a walk-on at our training camp. Now he’s probably going to score 30 goals this season. This kid wants to be a hockey player. He wants it so bad and you see it in how he approaches every practice, every game, everything he does.
“He’s athletic – conditioning-wise he is a specimen. But he’s not a one-dimensional player. He’s become a good power forward and as our captain he’s our unquestioned leader. He’s an absolute joy to have on our team and I know the Islanders feel the same way about him.”
Justin DiBenedetto – 2008 sixth round pick
“Justin has been in the Ontario Hockey League for five years,” said Millar. “He started out as a first round pick of St. Michael’s and I’m proud of making the trade that brought him to Sarnia. He has 34 goals and 34 assists in his first 45 games this season.
“Foy anyone who wanted to make the argument that he was in a secondary role playing on Steve Stamkos’s line last season, look at what he’s done this year as our go-to guy. He’s evolved into a leader. He’s up there with (John) Tavares and (Taylor) Hall as one of the league’s scoring leaders.”
So, to address one of the Islanders’ biggest offseason questions, do you think DiBenedetto has a shot of someday playing in the NHL?
“Yeah, I do,” said the Sarnia GM. “Justin will give himself that chance. Look at his overall play – he has become a complete player. He’s competing in the scoring areas like some critics thought he might not. And when he gets a chance to score, he’s a great finisher. The consistency knock on him you’re hearing less and less.
“He’ll need the development time in the American League, but the Islanders have done a nice job with him and I believe they will continue to. We see a lot of their people – Ryan (Jankowski), Tim MacLean, Eric Cairns. I feel Justin is going to get his chance with the Islanders, and they will be really happy with the results.”
Comments.
49 Responses to THE CHRONICLES OF SARNIA II
Sting GM Alan Millar on Katic, Martin, DiBo
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I wish there was more confidence regarding Justin DiBenedetto, as he is showing himself to be a scorer in the OHL. As for Katic and Martin, from what I have seen, they will be good players. Katic will be a second-pairing defenseman at best, and Martin will probably be a solid third-liner with his potential ceiling as a second liner. DiBenedetto, I believe, is becoming a product of developing in the OHL for so long that now he stands out tremendously. I hope that he can translate his OHL scoring into NHL scoring, however, it is going to take a lot of work. Still though, the future does look promising with players who are determined to play in the NHL.
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Jimmy Sparx says:
You know what is great about the internet and this blog??????????
Being able to read about players like this, who the Islanders drafted.
The future looks good……..
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Brian G says:
the future looks bright for bridgeport
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Dmarie says:
Very cool read Mr C..
It’s hard to believe these are the dudes to look for, when they’re so young..I know it’s future down road but still.
And thanks for all the post about the draft an trade..the who, what’s an why.
It’ll be sad to see some of our Vet players gone, I hope all the decisions made by Garth and Gordon work out and next season maybe we’ll start see some light at the end of all this mess. -
Jim says:
Brian G – Bridgeport should have a pretty stacked team if they make the playoffs. I’m guessing they’ll send Okposo, Comeau and Jackman down. Plus, when Windsor’s season is over, they’ll be able to send Bailey down there too.
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UIF says:
Nice insight, CB. Not sure if any of the three will be regulars on the Isles, but we’ll see. Based on the writeup, I can see Martin maybe being the next Jackman – sort of a hard working hybrid between fourth line grinder/pk specialist and a power forward.
When I read about Katic, I can’t help but think how similar he sounds to Hillen, so I don’t know if both would play at the same time for the Isles.
And DiBo…who knows, really. I like that the coach went to bat for him with the Stamkos argument.
Speaking of Stamkos, Logan had a pretty good article on Stamkos and Bailey today…good comments by both of them about playing against each other last year.
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Something tells me that Matt Martin is going to kick ass in the NHL. Ive been psyched about him from the moment the Isles picked him up!
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doc says:
JIM:
I don’t think the Islanders are in the business of sending Okposo, Comeau and Jackman down to the minors at the end of the season just so that they have a “stacked” playoff run in Bridgeport nor will they send Bailey to Juniors.
These are now NHL players – not minor league call-ups being returned to their previous leagues.
That would be ridiculous.
DOC
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Swan says:
Excellent write-up, as is typical C.B.
I thought DiBo might be the one draft steal, but I’m pleased to hear the good things about Matt Martin.
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Macch says:
Great great read CB. I really love the incite you give us. As for these players. I have my fingers crossed
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Doc – not necessarily. Young players who are exempt from waivers often go down to the minor league affiliate if they make the playoffs but the big club does not. The game experience is valuable: the experience of winning a few important games, getting used to playoff pressure, and having some success to show for all the hard work. It’s better than working on your golf game come April 6th.
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Rich says:
nightfly, I am sorry but Doc is right. KO will not be playing in the AHL after playing a full NHl season. The guy is a valuable NHL commodity not a player on loan from Bridgeport. Sorry but maybe Tambellini maybe the guy your looking for.
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Rich on Feb 4th, 2009 11:30:40 said:
nightfly, I am sorry but Doc is right. KO will not be playing in the AHL after playing a full NHl season. The guy is a valuable NHL commodity not a player on loan from Bridgeport. Sorry but maybe Tambellini maybe the guy your looking for.I agree on Kyle and Josh, but guys like Tim, Blake, Tambs, etc may very well go and help Bridgeport. Their NHL experience and successes (well, in regard to Jackman and Comeau anyway) will be valuable to them. As far as Tambs goes, he shold already have been waived and sent to Bridgeport. Its a shame for him to sit around doing nothing.
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Matt says:
I would be shocked if they sent Okposo or even Bailey at this point to the Bridge but it wouldn’t be the first time this club shocked me!!!!!
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joey303 says:
I dont know why, but I cant wait to watch these young players develop. Hopefully, in a few years we could have something here
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I know I am a bit of a cynic but we usually hear the usual “he is going to be a great player” just about every year and wind up nott ever seeing about 90% of these guys. Hopefully we do but don’t hold your breath.
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Justin Marques says:
Doc:
To be fair, I understand where you are coming from regarding Okposo, Comeau, and Bailey, however, it would be better for them to continue playing competitive hockey rather than just return home for the summer. Coach Jack Capuano is putting to use the exact same system Gordon utilizes, and it would just further their development, possibly even allow them to work on some things they cant quite do at the speed of the NHL. Come April, when the NHL playoffs begin, it would only make sense to see Okposo, Bailey, and Comeau as the top line down at Bridgeport. Throw in Yann Danis, who is playing phenomenal hockey at the NHL level, and that team could be a serious contender. It would be nice for BPort to win it all. -
One omission from my last post: Tim Jackman will be heading down to the AHL as well. The playoff pressure and game speed, regardless if its the AHL, is great for these type of players development. They can truly show how dominant they have become. I for one am in favor of them going down, but I can see both sides of the story.
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blitz says:
What scouts were in attendance for last nights game?
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Welcome back CB!
Nice inside update. The future looks promising. I hope we all have enough patience ’till they appear on the team. -
Coach B says:
Great prospect update Chris. If you ever talk to Ryan Jankowski, please update some of the others from the 2008 draft class.
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Islander505 says:
BIG GYNORMOUS NO….to anyone other than Tambellini going down to the Bridge for playoffs.
KO, Bailey, Comeau and Jackman have earned their varsity letters.
It’s time they earned their “playoff time” on the big boy squad in the REAL SHOW. (not this year of course).
In the case of KO and Bailey, by the time the end of this season rolls around, this will be the longest seasons of their careers.
Let ‘em go home and putter around for awhile and allow the bodies to catch up to the wear and tear of the season.“PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE” (Jim Mora voice)..IN THE MINORS??? Pshaw…
I can just hear the screaming on this board when one of them suffers a career ending injury down there.
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kevin fitz says:
Kyle Okposo is NOT going to the Bridge for the playoffs. His AHL days are over for good.
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derekloge says:
awesome awesome blog…i cant wait to see these guys one day!
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No worries it aint going to happen. It would be a very risky move for Garth to make. These kids also need a break they can’t just keep playing till camp!!! Do I think it would be good for them? Maybe. Playoff experience may be good for them. But Islanders505 brings up a very valid point with his injury comment.
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All of the NYI young lions (sounds great), except Tambs are growing mentally/physically. They could all use the time to shutdown mentally and grow physically.
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agreed
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West Coast Fan says:
Interesting post by Logan in yesterday or today’s newsday regarding Stamkos. I’d be fuming if I was the Lightning brass, a 19 year old kid whining to the press about his lack of icetime and not being named the “go-to” guy right off the bat…
Our young guys are proving they have great skills, but what I really like is their level of class. Look at Comeau, having spent half the year in the minors -and not one negative thing to say about it anywhere.
I am REALLY beginning to feel good about our future…
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Hey guys, any news on Streit? I will hate to see him being hurt, eventhough I’m not looking forward to anymore wins. Tavares or bust…
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ISLESFAN999 says:
#30 we gotta stop winning!!! I want to loseeee we need tavares!!!
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BeatleBailey says:
Watch the Isles finish with the 6th pick this year. It will be typical that we will even fail at sucking…lol
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Doc, Rich, and others – I agree on KO, actually, but even a guy like Comeau benefited from going down for a bit and getting himself straightened out. KO would still only be a college junior right now, remember. I wouldn’t mind seeing Bailey (who is still very young) get some extra game experience, or see Neilsen get some extra time since he lost some to injury this season.
And yeah – even in the AHL it’s the playoffs, and it’s big-game experience. Of course it’s not NHL playoff experience, but since they’re not getting any of that this season, why not get them something? It will still be bigger than anything they’ve ever played in, save the few who’ve gone to World Juniors. It’s better than no big-game experience at all, anywhere.
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I don’t see the benefit in having guys you know are going to dominate in the AHL go down there. You’re more likely risking them getting injured. Guy like Okposo, who still is getting used to playing the NHL schedule (College is much lighter) is gonna need the time off.
Bailey, Okposo, Comeau and some of the other kids are going to be on a regimen where they are expected to put on a few more pounds of muscle each season. Better for them to start early rather than risk burnout going into the second season.
The weight gain regimen is part what’s responible for the famous sophomore slump yo see in the NHL. Guys gotta get used to playing with a few extra pounds and fight the burnout that comes with it.
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mw147 says:
These guys are going to have played a lot of hockey this year. I think pushing it could lead to injuries.
Anyway, Bailey could not be sent to the AHL earlier. Would that change for the playoffs?
As for the junior players in CBs article, it is good to learn more about them. Of course their organization is going to say only positive things about them. I would be very happy if one of them became a contributing NHL player (more than a 4th liner or 5/6 d-man).
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some radio show said that the isles will offer komiserek 6.5 million. i dont know about you guys but i see this at two levels
1) no way in hell should we be offering that much to a defensive defensman.thats wayyy too much. no more then 5 million. thats just stupid.
2) money could be a lock in getting him. besides where else would that money be going. like we would use it for something else. he is an all-star cheating or not. could be a great replacement for witt and always plays hard and could be a cornerstone peice. and if we had him this year, unloading vets would be easier.my real choice. number two. it is a lot of money. way too much. but in the grand scheme of things, number two looks more and more logical. thoughts!?!?!?
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Kevin, if the Isles dump their vets like people here are clammoring for, they are going to have to spend many millions somewhere.
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were not going to be dumping them all becuase there is a cap. also, if they all go, thats a lot of cap room to be filled just to make the floor ( matters who we trade ) this is why i think we should overpay for komi
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kevin – But will he fit the system?!
*dodges tomatoes*
I’d love to see Komi here, but IF (I’ll stress the if in an attempt to avoid the “they’ll never do that”) the Isles are going to spend that kind of money on one player in the offseason (also figure they’ll be some years on the contract for legit talent), I’d rather see them do it on someone who can score goals…preferably a center, personally. I don’t know what the market is like there as far as UFAs, beyond 26-year-old Cammalleri, who may or may not be a long shot…have never met the guy, so I don’t know if he’d ever even consider here.
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I hope they don’t go cuckoo about overpaying to reach the floor. Both floor and cap will go down in a couple of seasons, and the teams that have managed smartly will be the few who have room to sign the better free agents. If Snow plays it right, the Isles can be one of those teams, with a young-yet-experienced core, ready to add the right piece or two for a serious playoff run.
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i would love to have cammalari. he is one of my favorite players. who said we cant have both. we can afford to throw money at both of them
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Kevin – hey, I wouldn’t turn him down either…. but if it’s gonna be $6.5 million, I daresay we’d both rather have Bouwmeester.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Thanks for the sequel to the Chronicals of Sarnia CB … nice to get a 3rd party’s insight.
I think all 3 with further development can be the type of players that cement the cornerstones of a strong contender.
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The young guns are done with the AHL .. as others have said … they need to ratchet down and recover from the season so they can switch training to recovery and building up their body size.I think that maybe a few of the callups go back of course … but Bailey, Okposo, Comeau and Jackman are done after the Isles season … they deserve the break … their is very little benefit to them dominating at the next level down … if anything it might regress them.
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isles72 says:
Katic is technically Snow’s very first draft pick as the islander gm .
komisarek would be nice ; especially if Witts contract is off the books. I bet his agent will make sure Bob Gainey is aware of his long island roots and the high interest the isles would have in signing him thus bumping up his value a notch or two higher than it should be
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SIR WILLIAM says:
Chris, Has a coach ever said to you “that guy sucks. He’ll be washing dishes in a year?” Just curious.
Driving home from the Coliseum last night I switched on the Ranger game (becasue I can’t get any Islander station, even on Hempstead Tpke). and the had Healy in the booth. He had some nasty comments about the Islanders and made a complete jerk of himself. So,,,,
Chris, Why is he so anti Islander? Was he always a jerk? What’s the inside scoop?I seem to remember him being treated very well here, including the Heals and Flats show. He wasn’t that good to be so critical of the organization that saved his career. nd finally if he is pissed off at anybody it should be Maloney who left him out to dry…..SW
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SW – likely he resents being shown the door by Maloney after being a huge part of the ’93 playoff run. He may still hold it against the organization. It was a shame the way that team was blown up for no return. It would be nice if he could let it go, but y’know, the Blueskirters aren’t known for that sort of thing. “Potvin Sucks,” for example – he retired, what, 20 years ago? They may as well be chanting about the Kraut Line every time the Bruins come to MSG.
A nice look foreward here CB. Thanks for the update.It’s fantastic that both Dibenedetto and Martin are coming into their own. Hopefully one of them can be a steal, both would be gravy.
Good to hear that Katic has a good first pass. We’ve been missing that for a while.