THE PB LIST: TOP PROSPECTS IN BRIDGEPORT
Jesse Joensuu, Trevor Smith have the most upside
They won 4-1 at home against Philadelphia on Friday night, getting two assists from a mainstay like Kurtis McLean and also solid performances from the players they have called up in a pinch from the East Coast Hockey League and parts elsewhere. On Sunday they host Norfolk at 4:00 pm at the Arena at Harbor Yard.
As we wrote on Friday, it may be a longshot for a current Bridgeport player to become a full-time contributor on the Islanders next season. (For perspective, you could probably say that about half the AHL teams). Nevertheless, the development program led by Capuano in Bridgeport will be essential to the Islanders’ rebuild for the next few years.
Here is Point Blank’s list of the top Islanders prospects in Bridgeport.
7. Tomas Marcinko – C, 2006 4th round pick: Started slowly in his first year of pro and scored just his fourth goal Friday night. But the former Barrie Colt by way of Slovakia is 6-4 and can skate. If he is relentless in his development, there’s always room for a player like Marcinko.
Upside: Fourth line center
6. Dustin Kohn (left) – D, 2005 2nd round pick: The Islanders are doing the right thing with Kohn. More than anyone, defensemen need time in the American League. Kohn has made solid strides in his second year in Bridgeport and will need a third.
Upside: No. 5 defenseman
5. Andrew MacDonald - D, 2006 6th round pick – Drafted at the suggestion of Ted Nolan, his Quebec League coach in Moncton, the late-blooming MacDonald has a shot at the NHL. If the Islanders trade any defensemen at the deadline, you could see MacDonald in spot duty before the end of this season.
Upside: No. 4 defenseman
4. Jeremy Colliton - C, 2003 2nd round pick: I kissed the kid’s butt enough earlier this week.
Upside: Third-line center and key faceoff man
3. Jack Hillen - D, 2008 college free agent: He’s with the Islanders now, but as an injury fill-in so he qualifies for this list as a true AHL prospect. Hillen is a small puck-moving defenseman who can be erratic in his own end but has the skill and the willingness to learn that make him an organization favorite.
Already a restricted free agent after signing a two-year deal out of Colorado College last year (those two season-ending games against the Rangers were Year One), Hillen will most likely be re-signed and given a chance to win a spot on the Islanders next season.
Upside: No. 4 defenseman
2. Trevor Smith - LW, 2007 college free agent: He’s 6-1, 190 and needs to add muscle and show an increased commitment on a nightly basis if he is to ever max out as a top-six forward in the NHL.
Still, for a free agent signee out of New Hampshire who spent time in the East Coast League last season, Smith has made a lot of strides. He has a team-leading 23 goals in 47 games this season, plus a goal in his cameo with the Islanders. Smith has a high level of offensive ability the organization lacks at the pro level and has a chance of making the big club next season.
Upside: Top-9 forward with a chance for second line
1. Jesse Joensuu - RW, 2006 2nd round pick: Unlike Smith, Joensuu is not a serious candidate to play a regular role for the Islanders next season, but he is the Bridgeport prospect with the most upside potential. His modest stats aside – 14 goals in 47 games – the 6-4, 210-pound right wing has had an outstanding first year of pro after coming over from Finland and dedicating himself to the North American game. He has even had a few scraps with opposing heavyweights.
Joensuu’s education must continue in Bridgeport next season. If his development is a success, he could make the Islanders’ depth chart look a whole lot better in 2010-11.
Upside: Top-6 forward with a chance for first line
Comment on this story and prospects here. Trade talk, including a link to Greg Logan’s deadline story in today’s Newsday, is in the next thread. Comment Guidelines.
65 Responses to THE PB LIST: TOP PROSPECTS IN BRIDGEPORT
Jesse Joensuu, Trevor Smith have the most upside
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Adam M. says:
Hopefully Dibenedetto. This kid, I feel, can be something special for us. His team mate Matt Martin could also be a steal. Toughness witha combination of good hands can be of use in the NHL.
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I met Jack Hillen at the Islanders Draft Party. When I asked him what he knew about Josh Bailey, he nicely said. “I don’t know anything about him. I don’t really pay attention to this, I just want to play hockey”. Great Attitude!
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UNH Steve says:
Trevor Smith’s biggest fan right here. Hoping he can continue his solid play in Bport this year with a promotion coming next year.
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Dally Mac says:
I liked what I saw from Smith already, he is smooth. However, it Jonesuu who I’ve always thought we got for a steal. His profile said he was Holmstrom-like planted in front of the net and tough. Now seems like he does one thing Tomas doesn’t…fight and and he is a hulk of a human being. NHL size at the age of 16, I think he’d looked good planted in front of the net, with Streit and Okposo teeing off from either side in 2010.
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Mario says:
Hey CB, I was at the bridgeport game Friday night and I think you are right on as far as these kids go. I think Kohn and Mcdonald are ready to play next year. All of the offensive guys definately need one more year in Bridgeport. I think if you picked one kid for next year it is Colliton
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The PolishPrince says:
I remember the big knock on Joensuu in his draft year was his skating – slow lumbering strides. Does anyone who follows BPort with some regularity have any comment on this? I understand Jesse hs been working on his skating a lot but would like an assessment of someone who has actually seen him play as I haven’t. Thanks.
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Hey Polish, saw him play Friday night as I posted in #7. He still needs work but he has gotten better. He does have break out speed, but he is big, has a good shot, and isnt afraid to get in front of the net.
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jbranny says:
Callahan and Hillen were both +1 logging over 15 min each yesterday. All four other defensemen were -2. Callahan had 4 hits, Hillen had the primary assist on the lone NYI goal to make the game close at 2-1. If these guys are part of the future of the NYI, GOOD!
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art says:
cb If it’s a longshot for any bridge player to start on the island next year and we trade away a bunch of current vets and other disappointing players such as tambs etc we are left with trades from other teams who have been disappointments on other clubs. To me this is another losing year with rebuilding mostly taking place in Bridgeport. This is not going to fill many $$seats unless the fans come to see the ice girls.
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Jislander7 says:
CB, was that your nice way of saying that their is no talent in Bport? lol. Joensu could be a sleeper, maybe Trevor Smith can be a 2-3 line winger but the rest of these guys are scrubs. The only prospect that intrigues me that is not on the Isles right now is this Dibenedetto kid. Come on guys lets face it, this is going to be a long rebuild. We just have to hope Garth doesn’t mess it up like MM did to the last one.
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Well they won 30 games for a reason down in Bridgeport, they do have some talent there. Joenusu crashes the net and plays hard. Another one of those 2006 draft pick selections by Neil Smith! CB a good story for you to post! Evaluating the 2006 draft. That was a good fraft for the Isles!
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Jay says:
hey CB. is there any chance that Petrov is any closer to coming to N. American hockey since he has lost ice time after his injury?
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As a BPT season ticket holder I can tell you that Joensuu and Smith are right there. They have been developing well and Smith and Colliton would be the obvious choices to come up now and make some sort of impact. Joensuu is another year away but has also shown shades of brilliance this season. He has a lot to work on but trust me, he should be on the Islanders in 10-11. On defense, Andy Mac looks as if he’s jumped over Kohn on the depth chart and has played very well. On really on the fence about Kohn though. Im not sure he can be a solid 5-6 defenseman in the NHL. I guess we will have to wait on what his year three looks like. As for Marcinko, CB I just don’t see it. He’s been in and out of the lineup and has been used as a fourth line center most of the season. I think a guy like Tyler Haskins has impressed me more than Marcinko. I know its his first year but he needs more seasoning for me to start liking the kid. I think we should extend Callahan’s contract next season, as well as Hillen’s.
PS: I think Nathan Lawson deserves a lokk as well. They love him in Utah and he’s made huge strides in BPT as well. As a team with goaltending issues, you can’t go wrong with adding a guy that does well for your affiliate.
PSS: Sign Micheal Haley too!
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Thanks for the JJ information BPort fans! He sounds like he could be a nice addition to the big club in another couple of years.
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isles316 says:
Great Read. The Isles are in such need of defensive prospects. Even if the Isles get Tavares they have ways and ways to go.
People like to look at Washington and say how you can turn a team around with a great player and that’s true. However, their defense is very weak outside Green and they will probably get bounced again from the playoffs quick because they give up so many goals.
The Isles need to build up the defense or this process will take longer.
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Hey CB, I guess CAPS LOCK is not allowed? Some sort of rumor that its indicative of yelling, when its really just a result of someone working 70 hours a week and typing as fast as possible. Plus its easier to read. Darn internet. Fritz-six minutes! Better than four!
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#7…I was at the Bridgeport game friday and Joensu impressed me so much. His skating seemed decent to me. He is smooth and skates hard with an edge. Granted it’s only one game but I was very impressed.
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JPinVA says:
I just read through the last few posts. IMHO Hillen and Callahan will be pushing Campoli and Gervais next year. I think Callahan looks like #6 right now, even in a fully healthy “D”. He seems to handle himself above rookie expectations and adds a little physicality to the backline… which is sorely needed.
If Snow can sell the “change of scenery” theme to a team looking for backline PP help, then campoli might turn into the only ex-isle by March 4th. If your top four are set (signed) for next year (Steit, Sutton, Marty, Witt) then why not put Hillen and Callahan into a mix for those last two spots.
Chris, is there a Campoli “true value” coming up?
I think Weight and “C” will be back be back next year. -
streit 02 says:
Hey CB, a little off topic, but a couple games ago Billy Jaffe was talking about Okposo’s goal scoring potential. He had him as a 20 goal scorer w/ a couple 30′s in their. I can easily see Okposo with a 40 goal season and consistent 30′s. I think the sky is the limit for this kid. He literally gets better every game and makes something happen every time he is on the ice. What do you think?
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Swan says:
Great read, CB. I love these articles in particular since you have access and insight that Isles fans don’t have.
Definitely agree with the assessments. There are no surefire Top 6 forwards/Top 4 dean in Bport. However Joensuu, Smith and MacDonald look like they have a shot in 2 years or so, if they continue to develop.
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kevin says:
looking forward to these guys. i think there success reflects on our future so im pretty dman happy. one thing got me worried. no walter. always had high hopes for him.
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potvin05 says:
I know it was basically a cup of coffee, but Trevor Smith seemed like keeper. Showed nice concentration when he took that Nabokov rebound and put it right on the tape of his stick and right in the net. Hand-eye coordination is something you can’t teach. Also loved the heart he showed while up. Seems like a good kid. I like the upside that kid Ullstrom has too. He has the size and early on has impressed. Let’s hope he can keep it up.
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Actually it might have been Kiprusoff, but who cares, they’re both A plus goalkeepers.
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Isles1972 says:
CB, although there are not many great prospects in the Isles system we should give Snow some time to see how all of his draft picks develop. Since there really is nobody to step in next year, what can you see the Isles do at the deadline and free agency to make themselves a bit more competitive (besides getting healthy)?
Do you think they will trade Bergenheim, Campoli or any other young players that might not fit this system? Personally, if Snow could get good value for Campoli, I would trade him. -
IMO, give Bergie a couple of years he will be the same type of player as M. Koivu
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Potvin05, I would keep Bergenheim also, but try to use him in a different way. I would love to see him play on a line with Neilsen and Hunter. Neilsen is a playmaker and with Beregenheim skating and Hunters physical play, I think a line like this has a bit of everything. You may even be able to get more offense out of Bergenheim.
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StevieL says:
Hmmm…interesting read but not one mention of the leading scorer Iggy. Seems to score and have good size. What’s the knock?? No chance at getting a look??
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1972…couldn’t agree more. That would be an excellent third line. The key is having Hunter with two faster guys. It could def. work.
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Jim says:
Iggulden is 26, I’m not sure you can consider him a prospect any more.
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Damn Mike Mottau. Neilsen hasn’t been the same since he’s been back. He’ll recover by next season, he’s still young, but how Mottau hasn’t been run in a NYI-NJD game since is beyond my thinking.
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Go Isles says:
Another upside to Smith is that he can play all 3 forward positions. His game will become easier and more effective when he plays with more skilled players
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Strummer's Army says:
Per Hockey night Canada Col is shopping Ryan Smyth. I don’t want the guy and is HUGE contract back but just interesting. I will admit to feeling almost devestated or hopeless when he spurned the Isles and so did Drury, Gomez,Briere and whoever else but looking back now at the huge deals they got and that all 4 are now up for trade I think things worked out.
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I agree with you Strummer. The Drury and Gomez contracts really hurt the Rangers. If they pick up Avery, I don’t know how they are going to be able to keep half of their free agents for next year. I predict that Sather will fire Renney and then come the fall Sather will be gone because that team is about to become a bigger mess than it already is.
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Rich says:
CB I take issue with you saying Josh Bailey is not an untouchable. The fact is that the Isles think he is. There is no Hedman for Bailey trade. The kid is 19 years old has showed a ton of promise and poise. Even though you didn’t like the move, please do not say that Bailey is not untouchable. He is not going anywhere and you are giving Isle fans indigestion.
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th rags have i think 35 million in drury,gomez,naslund,lundqvist,redden,roszival. so its 21 million in all other positions so there stuck for a couple of years sucks for them but were in good a position for the future and they make fun of dp’s projects
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Rich (35): In the last entry, CB commented (44) that there is “a 0% chance” of Bailey being traded… why does it matter if he wants to use the word “untouchable” or not?
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Dadi says:
I would like Bridgeport to be our real farm team…to see next year: Ridderwall,Katic,Lacroix,Joensuu,Petrov,Figren,Ullstrom,Gračev,Martin,DiBenedetto…
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Dadi, we would all like to see them but if they do that then those players will never develop like they should.
IE: Tim Connolly
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316,I don’t understand You…Where do they have to develope their skill if not in the AHL ?
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I misread the question, my apologies. I thought you wanted to see them on the Isles. Sorry. I agree with you.
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Bridgeport 2009/10…
Scandinavian line:
Joensuu-Ullstrom-FigrenCanucks line:
DiBenedetto-Smith-MartinRussian line:
Petrov-Filatov-GračevOoops, I forgot Garth has not taken Nikita
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big jim says:
anyone know how that kid rhett rakanshai is doing? dont no how to spell his name sry
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milehiIsle says:
For those who watch Bport games, what is the skill level of Michael Haley? He seems to be a very good fighter, though small guy, but is he a Chris Neil type of player who has some skill, too? I’d rather see Haley than Nate Thompson fill a roster spot. I think…I don’t know.
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Lawrence Teller says:
Is Weight really untradeable? He is projected back at least a couple of weeks before the playoffs – couldn’t a trade be made with a contingency clause stating the value for the Islanders would be based on Weights availability for the team he is traded to?
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Teller, with a 4-6 week knee sprain, I’m pretty sure the general consensus is that he is damaged goods right now. Between the way it looked and his age, I would lean closer to the 6 week estimate.
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ken says:
Where is Ben Walter?
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SIR WILLIAM says:
OK Chris, I get it. The answer is not in Bridgeport. Your previous blogs have speculated that most of todays roster will not be back next year.
So then, where is the answer?
Are you banking on cap casualty signings?
I wonder because I have asked you about that several times and you never answer.So are you keeping it to yourself or getting ready to fill out anthoer column at a later date?……….SW
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Hey CB speaking of prospects–whatever happened to the Islanders Cory Stillman? I remember that guy as having decent potential but I cannot find anything on him at all. And when do teams get a chance at signing the College free agents? Is it in April when their season ends?
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BR says:
Stillman? He’s a Panther.
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UIF says:
I’ve heard Joensuu is expected to develop into a “Holmstrom-type player”. Is that true? If he can develop anywhere near that kind of instinct in front of the net, that would be good for the Isles…always need a guy like that.
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Eric (49): You must be thinking of someone else… Cory Stillman never had anything to do with the Islanders organization.
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Big Jim, #43, Rhett Rhask is going to be a solid player for the isles. I watched him recently play againt Missesota Duluth. He had 2 goals and an assist. He does everything for the University of Denver. He works on the penalty kill, power play, he is on the ice when the game is on the line. Another gem that Neil Smith drafted in 2006. In 3 years he will be a terrific player for the isles. They also interviewed him between periods and he is definitely motivated to win.
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Corey Stillman was an Islander draft pick. He has a succesful cousin of the same name who has enjoyed a long NHL career but neither ever played for he Isles.
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thanks for your insight joe!
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Well, we are in trouble tomorrow. Therian got the axe today. Pittsburgh will be fired up tomorrow, and we can’t beat them anyway.
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Gary says:
Strummer’s Army (33)- I believe Ryan Smyth has a no-move clause. He wouldn’t come back here as much as we shouldn’t want him back anyway.
Big Jim (43) – You can see how all Isles prospects are doing in the Prospect Watch at the Isles website.
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Wow Strummer, I had no idea. I would never have realized there was another one- the only one I know is the one that currently plays for the Panthers.
Kinda funny that there was another guy of the same name drafted by the Isles… but it figues that the Isles drafted the one that wound up in the CHL instead of the NHL lol.
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Tom says:
Islanders. Morte.
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Strummer-thank you for knowing who I was talking about haha. I remember he had decent potential but he didn’t exactly turn out to be like his cousin. Where is he now CHL you said? Yikes. Another one bites the dust I guess. I wonder what happened to our great draft picks of the past like Steve Junker and Scott Scissons.
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hale says:
Trevor Smith “show an increased commitment on a nightly basis”
i don’t know where you got that one from..at the bridge he is the most dedicated on the team and has been as valuable on d as any forward…he deserves a chance most defiently on the big club
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also..while i do believe joensuu will be a good player at some point…he is nowhere close to being a holmstrom type player..he has to get much stronger; he is not infront of the net on a regular basis and must improve his skating. with that being said he has an awesome release and is starting to take the body more…i do think this time next year you may see him get a look..but i don’t know where the holmstrom thing came from
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CIsle says:
Hey Joe, just off hand – as far as I know, Smith only attended the draft for the pick of Okposo. Feltrin ran the rest. Considering Smith had only just been hired by the Islanders, it’s doubtful that he had much of a say whatsoever, or at least much of any real input.
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Last I saw, former 4th round pick Cory Stillman was playing in Germany’s second league. He might be somewhere else now.
Very good read Chris. Jos, Collitton,Marchinko and Smith are the guys I am highest on. Logan list Jos at 6’4″ 236. Isles need that blend of skill, size, and toughness.
Other then Figern and Ridderwell which prospects do you believe will join Bridgeport next season?