UPDATING THE 2008 DRAFT, Part II
Rounds 4-6, from Donovan to DiBenedetto
Today we take a look at the first post-draft seasons of the six players the Islanders selected in Rounds 4, 5 and 6 last summer. Here’s yesterday’s story on the draftees from Rounds 1-3, from Josh Bailey to Kirill Petrov.
* A reminder about our grading system. Please note that the grades are not judgments of the quality of the Islanders’ draft selection or a projection of the players’ potential. The grade is strictly based on the strides they have made this season. If Kirill Petrov’s grade is far worse than Travis Hamonic’s, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not going to be a better pro. Less than one year after the draft, it’s too early to tell which draft picks the Islanders will eventually sign.
4. Matt Donovan (96th overall), D, Cedar Rapids (USHL): The 6-0, 190-pound defenseman (above left) may be the hardest case to judge because he is playing one final season in the United States Hockey League before starting his collegiate career in the fall at Denver University. Donovan is 15-21-36 in 41 games with Cedar Rapids and leads all USHL defensemen in scoring. All eyes will be on Donovan to see if he can take the next step at a top college program, but so far, so good.
Development Grade: B+
4. David Ullstrom (102nd overall), LW, HV71 (Sweden): The highlight of Ullstrom’s season was his strong play for Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships. Around that experience, the 6-3 wing has bounced between fourth-line play for HV-71 in the Swedish Elite League and first-line duty with their Allsvenskan (“first division”) squad. Outside of the WJC, he has not had enough icetime to make this a highly-productive year of development. He is 1-3-4 in 19 games in the Elitserian and has hopes to play in North America in the near future. Here’s our story with Islanders European chief scout Vellu-Pekka Kautonen while Ullstrom was at the WJC.
Development Grade: B-
5. Kevin Poulin (126th overall), G, Victoriaville (QMJHL): The Islanders took a mid-round flier on the talented 6-2 goalie and the results so far are mixed. Poulin is 16-16-2 with a 2.92 GAA and .909 save percentage in the high-octane Quebec League. No doubt the Islanders will take a long look at his play for Victoriaville in the playoffs, plus all of next season, before deciding if it’s worth it to sign him.
Development Grade: C
5. Matt Martin (146th overall), LW, Sarnia (OHL): The Islanders may not say this publicly, but Martin has become a late-round pride-and-joy prospect for the scouting staff. After a 38-point season on the third line last year, Martin is a 30-plus goal scoring captain this season. The 6-2 tough guy is 30-29-59 with 113 PIMs in 52 games. Here’s our article on Martin and his Sarnia teammates (and follow NYI draftees) Mark Katic and Justin DiBenedetto. We’ll have another story on Martin – the finale of our Chronicles of Sarnia trilogy – later this week.
Development Grade: A
6. Jared Spurgeon (154th overall), D, Spokane (WHL): If you can believe it, the Islanders have another undersized defenseman in the system – this one over-achieving impressively since draft day. The 5-9, 185-pound Spurgeon is 10-29-39 in 47 games this season with the Chiefs, and lately he has really taken off. A serious injury to blueline partner Jared Cowan – a near-lock to be a top 10 pick overall this June – has put all of the pressure on Spurgeon, and so far he has embraced it. For Spokane to defend its Memorial Cup, the Islanders’ sixth round pick will have to lead the way on defense.
Development Grade: B+
6. Justin DiBenedetto (175th overall), LW, Sarnia (OHL): The Islanders used the last of their 13 picks in the 2009 draft on DiBenedetto, a center with a few question marks around him. Skeptics believed he couldn’t continue his scoring pace without ’07-08 linemate Steve Stamkos, the first overall pick in the draft. But all the 5-11 DiBenedetto has done this season is prove them wrong, night after night. He is 39-40-79 in 51 games this season. That’s fourth in Ontario Hockey League scoring behind 2009 first or second overall pick John Tavares, Anaheim 2007 second round pick Eric Tangradi and potential 2010 first pick Taylor Hall. Here’s a story we did with Sarnia GM Alan Millar on DiBenedetto, Martin and Katic.
I can’t find anyone in the game with the guts to boldly declare, positively or negatively, what kind of pro the kid they call “DiBo” will be. That’s probably because no one knows. But say this for DiBenedetto – he couldn’t be doing more to earn his shot.
Development Grade: A+
The 2008 Roundup
An admittedly premature grouping of the Islanders’ draft picks of 2008:
Safe bets to play in the NHL someday: Travis Hamonic, Matt Martin, plus already-there Josh Bailey
Strong NHL upside, but Miles to Go: Aaron Ness, Corey Trivino, Kirill Petrov
Underdogs, but Definitely with a Shot: Matt Donovan, Jared Spurgeon, Justin DiBenedetto, David Ullstrom
It’s Early, but Still Lots to Prove: David Toews, Jyri Niemi, Kevin Poulin
Comment on Prospects here. I’ll be at Islanders practice today.
89 Responses to UPDATING THE 2008 DRAFT, Part II
Rounds 4-6, from Donovan to DiBenedetto
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I am a bit puzzled on where you stuck Neimi in the wrap up. It seems to conflict with what you wrote in your assesment and what we have been reading. it sounds like Ullstrom might be a likely target to sign an AHL contract at the end of the year or does a junior team hold his rights?
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CB, You think with the lack of goaltending depth the Isles take a late 1st or mid 2nd and take Patty Roy’s kid?
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Will C
While DP is a HUGE ?, I wouldn’t call goaltending depth a priority right now.
Danis is starting to look like a decent 2nd stringer, Joe Mac mebbe not so much, but there’s always the expected release of Dubie III this summer at a movie theater near you.
If anything, pending any release of medical information on DP (har har), if Garth goes after a 1A goalie in UFA season and/or the Isles DO DRAFT a high end goalie in June, it will be a clear indicator of DP’s potential as an early entry into the stud farm. -
The bottom line is the team needs to draft a top notch goal scorer. I belive in building a team starting with goal/defense but this case is very different. It is different because it seems to be very hard for this team to sign/trade for a BIG TIME goal scorer. If the team starts to look good up front I am sure D is a spot that can be filled with UFA signings down the road.
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Nice articles CB thanks for doing the work that some of us are too lazy to do haha. With all of those picks we had last year I think it’s safe to say that at least one of these players will make a difference at some point on the NHL roster. Hopefully, Bailey isn’t the only one.
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Can they cultivate a handful OVER 6′tall, please?
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Thanks CB for the 2008 draftee progress report. I think it’s very important to gauge PROGRESS … it shows what the player is made of. It also is a reflection of how some late rounders end up being impact NHLers down the line. Hopefully the Isles got some nuggets in there … and more to come in ’09.
(#5) jay dugan … I’m with ya 1000%. Looking at the last 5 years of UFA defensemen stud signings it seems these guys are attracted to the $$$ (which Charles has shown he’s willing to spend) … and teams with promising young offensive stars.
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Great piece Chris-Donovan is this years Jason Gregiore, going from the USHL to college.( Gregoire has done quite well). Martin could be the Islanders David Clarkson. Poulin was playing better than last year but has been hurt so much since December it maybe hard to read on him the rest of the way. Ullstron looks like a nice find in the 4th round, he played well as a center in the WJC and plays mostly on a wing. Jared Spugeon is short but very well built, has great hockey sense and a lot of talent for a 6th round pick. With DiBenedetto, it appears he has earned a job in Bridgeport next season.
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It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with this draft class. I’m especially excited about Martin and DiBo. Hopefully they make the grade. With DiBo’s torrid scoring pace and Martin’s size and skill, these two could be huge late round steals for the Isles. Get martin here now! We need some size up front!
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I’ve never seen Martin play. If anyone has can they comment on how his game compares to ex Islander Dave Scatchard if at all?
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Martin sounds exactly what the Islanders need…wow! Any chance of this guy making the team out of camp? Could DiBo be a Martin St. Louis, Steve Sullivan type.
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lose the lottery and make the pick a no brainer
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CB, why is DiBo an underdog after the writeup? was watching the Rags lst night and Sam mentioned how the Leafs wanted a first rounder for Antropov. Would you give them the SJ pick we got from Ottowa?
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Is there a chance that the kid Martin could end up being a Milan Lucic type, that is able to put up 40-50 points a year but not afraid to drop the gloves?
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I think DiBenedetto would’ve had to have improved his overall game, the team and defensive aspects of it, to have such a superlative grade.
Offensive numbers are obviously not a good way to gauge defensemen’s overall ability, but Donovan has Detroit’s 3rd round pick Max Nicastro and a potential 1st round pick John Moore trailing him in the USHL. Moore is only six months younger than Donovan, but at 6-2 both Moore and Nicastro have a size advantage. It’ll be interesting to see who gets the USHL Defenseman of the Year award. Last year it was Blake Kessel.
Mario(14), Antropov is UFA. The Islanders won’t give up draft picks for rentals.
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No. 14,
Do we really want to trade a first round pick or a prospect for enigmatic Russian forwards? Haven’t we gotten over those delusional impulses? Besides, why help Burke with his rebuild.
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I would like to sign antropov this summer but there is no way I would trade for him now. We would be retarted to trade for him. Snow isnt that dumb anymore. We will most likely only trade for picks and prospects.
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Mario (14), if you thought that Comrie’s play was frustrating, you have not seen anything yet; the Isles need to stay away from someone like Antropov… I can only hope thay will not entertain such a deal.
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Nice to see some of the picks improving. Martin is a guy this team does really need. Hopefully he can put up some numbers at the NHL level.
One concern, and it was mentioned earlier, is the lack of size on the back end. I know the game needs puck moving defenceman, but is there no prospects out there that have the size and skill besides Hedman?
Also, just read an article on the NY Post that stated as hard as it is to be in 30th spot, they are staying the course with drafting and development. Lets all just hope they draft the right guys and develop them well. -
Seems like the late round picks in 2008 might pay off.
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At the cost of being redundant again
I strongly hope that the scouting staff and Garth, are also looking into trades for players already in the NHL. 12 forward, 6 defensemen are the norm for dressable players. How many picks can one team possibly have and hope that they develop.We will get a stud by finishing last, thats a start. We need LEGIT prospects, and players. Trade some of the picks for players. The team must be assembled with some from column A and some from column B. 5 Picks in the first 60? Make it 4 or 3 and get some potential. -
Mario #14 – Do you really want Antropov in an Isles jersey…and give up a 1st rounder? Not me!
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Joey303, I totally agree with you. The Isles needs players that can play now, as well as develop those kids. Some of these kids are 3-4 years away and with nobody really ready to step in next year from Bridgeport, they are lacking some pieces right now.
Losing will eventually take an affect on these young players (it also has on the older guys). it is great to see them be competitive, and at least be in games. Getting DP back next year and a few good signings could help in this rebuild. -
Dibo really intruiges me. If you can put up those kind of points consistently it will be interesting to see how that translates at Bridgeport. I’d love to see him and Martin next year at Bridgeport. Great trade by Garth getting rid of Campoli. Is Campoli really that much better than Meyer, and Hillen? Plus we have Ness and Harmonic waiting in the wings. Excellent move.
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It is remarkable that in looking at the list of our draft picks, we traded down from 5th twice to pick up these 2nd round picks and if this draft is a success it may have nothing to do with those trade downs. The 4th 5th and 6th rounds look much better than the 1st 2nd and 3rd. It is early but that is pretty odd.
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With DiBenedetto fourth in scoring behind Tavares, maybe we already have the scoring machine in our system. Hmmmmm maybe Hedman is the RIGHT draft choice to be chosen.
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Nah, you can never have enough scoring, ESPECIALLY this team who hasn’t had a legit scorer since Ziggy. I’ll take both Tavares and DiBo
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CB, how do contracts work between the ECHL and AHL? Could Dibo be called up from Utah to Bridgeport? Are there similar rules in call ups between those leagues like the AHL to NHL?
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CB – There’s been a lot of talk of using the 1st round pick acquired from Ottawa in a trade to either move up in the draft or for a prospect with strong upside. Any idea if the Flyers might be willing to part with James van Riemsdyk? The only guy I can think of that they’d be interested in would be Witt and pick?
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#31, Flyers need cap space. They are trying to get rid of salary to try and get Jay Bouwmeester.
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My opinion is that the Isles will probably use that pick in another deal of some sorts, but I highly doubt that Philly would be willing to part with van Riemsdyk. Even IF they are, do you really see them dealing him within the division? Don’t get me wrong, I’d love for it to happen but my gut tells me that it won’t
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C.B. I have a question regarding the college free agents. Gilroy Bozak and C.Hansen, what are the projections on these guys?We have the cap space and we can offer them playing time in N.H.L right away does this give us an advantage?
I have read reports on Tor. being very interested in gilroy is this a bidding war Garth should win?or want to? is this guy(hes 25 cant really call him a kid)really this good. He is gonna get more $ then hillen got. -
No doubt theres quality coaching in Sarnia, Martin wants to be a player and will do what is required to be one. Put the time/resources in this prospect.
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CB, Just a thought. Garth stated this years draft is huge. I would think this draft is even more important than last years simply because the organization finally has direction. They have a system they are going to play from Bridgeport to the Island.
Do you think they will target guys that simply fit there system or take the best player available and mold him the way they would like him to play? -
CB, There’s something I’ve been confused about for quite some time and was wondering if you or another poster could answer a question. Why does the NHL, draft kids straight out of highschool? I’ve never understood why the draft doesn’t run the same as the NFL OR NBA. Meaning let the kids play a few years in college or in a league that doesn’t provide the NHL with call ups. It seems to me that there are too many times that you draft a kid who may never even sniff the pros. Why not wait to see what they have so that the draft is more exciting AND lucrative in that you know the drafted players WILL be playing with the team? Is there a reasonable explanation for this?
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CB just got back from 10 days in Canada. I heard from people up there that the Isles have starting laying alot of people off in all departments including hockey ops. They are saying that CW is looking to go to a bare bones budget u hear any info on this??
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Also to all the Snow haters you have to give the guy credit for finding some gems in the late rounds. Maybe some people were to quick to judge Snow and his staff? I hope so because it will mean good things for the future of our Islanders.
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well just got off the phone with the NYI office the tix guy I had dealings with is no longer there so I guess there is some truth to this
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I’ve asked this a couple times, CB, what kind of a prospect is Matt Gilroy? I’m sure you’ll have a write-up of the kid if (when?) we sign him, but what kind of value does he have? Is he comparable to Jack Hillen?
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BTW was up in drumundville on tuesday night when they played victoriaville Poulin is injured and did not dress for the game
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CB, Great info. It gives us that don’t have access, info on some of the youngsters. Good stuff.
To those asking about Antropov — Are you Insane? Do you want to anger the god Oleg and bring in a similar player? Keep Nik away from this team. -
Will they got rid of the fire dancers…I think there are a lot of teams/companies that have begun or will be laying off employees. We are in a recession.
CB-Thanks for setting the record straight on DiBenedetto. I don’t think enough people are reading the explanation of grading.
Everyone should really check out the draft histories section at hockeydb…even the top franchises in the league have had their share of stinkers. If you have 2 or even 1 of your picks become an impact NHLer then you had a successful draft.
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i missed the last 2 games was in canada but i heard the firedancers were layed off as well……no loss IMO lol
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me either.
the icegirls are enough as far as i’m concerned.
we need firepower not fire dancers.
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As long as we are talking prospects… what’s the story with Blake Kessel. I’m sorry if something was already written about him… but I can’t seem to locate anything “new”. He seems to have been a relatively highly regarded prospect… right?
DOC
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Off topic but HOT: Tom Renney fired by the NY Rangers. Bummer, eh?
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Too bad for Renney, but I got a real kick out Zipay’s Newsday blog about all the empty seats at MSG last night and the booing that took place during the ceremonies for Bathgate and Howell.
Empty seats?
At MSG?Hopefully (I doubt it), that will send a message to all the Islander Bashers (print, blog and otherwise) who use the empty seats at NVMC like a jackhammer in questioning the “loyalty” of Islander fans……which is….just like the loyalty of fans everywhere else and every other team…..
If you win, they will come. -
Hey Everyone, I am from Sarnia and have seen Dibo and Martin play every game they have been with Sarnia.
Martin – There is no doubt in my mind that marty will be in the NHL. He is a total package. The guy is a leader. He will drop the gloves with anyone and he can put the puck in the back of the net. This guy is a froce and like a brick wall when he’s standing out front of the net. He makes it tough for goalies to see the play. You guys stole this kid, that’s for sure.
Dibo- He has proved all the critics wrong, he has done better with out Stamkos. I agree with this article, he has a shot at someday making it big but its kind of a far hot. He is very skilled with the puck but questionable is his work ethic, physical play and his physical shape. He needs to get bigger and stronger and faster to play in the NHL.
Either way you guys have 2 really promising players in your system, Martin will be in the NHL im certain, Dibo i can see playing in Bridgeport.
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Thanks Matt. I love what I’m hearing about Martin.
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Bye, Bye Renney…the rangers over the next few years are gonna be in serious trouble, especially if they tighten the cap…the isles are headed in the right direction building up young guys who have loads of potential….lets go isles!!
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Matt @ 51 – Thanks for the information on Martin. I like what I’m hearing!
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#51, It’s always good to hear from someone who is actually there! Thanks for your insight!
(Love Billy Jaffe for making the Renny announcement first!)
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Just dropping in CB to say thanks for all the updates on the who’s who and givnig your thoughts and grades on players.
I just hope Garth and Gordon do the right thing. I keep reading how not to many players want to be drafted here and some are asking to leave? it just doesn’t sit well with me, I mean I know a rebuild takes time, but when you read how players want nothing to do with the Islanders and they don’t want to come here to play an players you already have want to leave? Makes me go hmmmmm?… -
I must honestly say though as an Islander fan I for some reason cannot stand joe micheleti. Everytime we play the rangers, he singles out specific islander players and almost in a way attacks them. Mean time that entire ranger team is a bunch of overpaid idiots that arent worth a dime except maybe for lundquist. Thanks Billy for being such a good wingman for Howie every night.
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And Isles 316 is right….they both were once top line guys…they had their best best years already
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Dmarie- you have any links to these players sayng this? I haven’t read one thing about any prospects not wanting to come here. I think your post has no credit at all.
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Rangers fired Renney…
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Told you guys there’d be some good grades here. I’m surprised Donovan doesn’t have an A grade also. Spurgeon had to be pushing A as well.
I met some people who are huge UND hockey fans, and they told me they think Toews and Gregoire look good for being so young. Keep your fingers crossed.
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Here’s McKeen’s on Matt Gilroy for the perosn who asked for some info…I’ll add to it that Jack Parker called him the best captain they’ve had since Chris Drury (and at BU that’s like someone calling you Peyton Manning or Derek Jeter)
McKeen’s Hockey Prospects
Matt Gilroy–Capitalizing on Tyler Bozak missing several weeks with a torn meniscus injury, Matt Gilroy is now our top-ranked UFA out of the NCAA. Gilroy is primed to be a star and could dramatically uplift the franchise that is fortunate to land him equally as much as a lottery pick. He’s smooth as they come with the puck, as he boasts unrivaled vision and passing skills. His ability to escape dangerous situations and orchestrate beautiful plays coming out of his own end has our scouts believing he could be special. Gilroy fits the prototype of a modern NHL defenseman and will be a mature 25-year old when he enters his rookie NHL season next fall. After receiving contract offers from 23 teams last season, Gilroy is expected to sign on to a lucrative one this year because his age leaves him exempt from the NHL’s entry level contract system. While the hype over the John Tavares lottery is deafening, the courtship for Gilroy’s services could be just as fascinating and fruitful.
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who votes for 5/12.5 as a starting point for Gilroy?
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Neil;
I recall Mike Grier, who also played under Parker, was a can’t miss guy. Parker is a damn good coach who gets a ton out of his guys.
His teams are always tricky to scout.
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Another prospect note-You can watch Shane Sims, a defenseman who plays for Ohio State on the NHL Network Friday at 7:30 PM against Miami of Ohio.
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From Mike Grier’s wikipedia:
“Grier was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the ninth round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, and was considered a long-shot to make an NHL team.”
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great read, as usual. keep it up please
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Smokey with the take down!!!
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WOW!!!
I thought Grier went higher than that. I recall him playing up here at BU and he was the talk of the town. He was THE MAN at BU.
Always thought he went higher.
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While on prospects, I’d like to second DOC’s request for some info on Blake Kessell. Is he developing as planned, has he regressed, or does his skill set make him a long-shot to be an everyday NHL player?
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While we’re crediting Snow, I think he did a fabulous job picking up that first round pick for Campoli and Comrie. If CB is right, that Snow couldn’t find any takers for Comrie and forced Murray to take him in any deal, even better. However, I saw today that Murray says he plans on resigning Comrie this summer..
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How can we not pull for DiBenedetto….although if he ever make the team I will foreverget the comments “Dude, the name on the back is spelled wrong”!
Go DiBo Go
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That may be true, but the Islanders probably weren’t getting Comrie back. I’d rather take a high pick than lose him for nothing.
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“However, I saw today that Murray says he plans on resigning Comrie this summer..”
Well sure Akeem, why not?
Last time Comrie was in Ottawa, Hillary Duff wasn’t tagging along.
Now she is.
The Sen’s are now leading the league in hot starlets, what with Duff being added to a stable that already has Rachel Hunter (Mike Fisher). -
Two years after playing in the Stanley Cup Finals….the Sen’s are now in the Starlet Pup Finals.
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It was Carrie Underwood with Mike Fisher. It is not doing them any favors in the standings either.
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The Isles need to sign Gilroy and if they can sign Bozak more the better.
Here’s a question for everyone…just say the islanders sign both Gilroy (def) and Bozak (center)and they get #2 in the lottery…do you trade the pick and get a bonafide NHL goal scorer?
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No, no, a million times no. Keep the pick.
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If we got Gilroy and Bozak, and sat at the #2 pick …why trade it?
If we have Hedman sitting at 2, or Tavares (unlikely)… both are really great prospects that would help this team out in the long run. They aren’t the type of assets you trade away for a short term fix.
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Say what you want but it is the Matt Martin picks of the world that will lead the Islanders to glory. The late round pickups that turn into greatness are what separates the great GM’s from the other GM’s. If Martin was in this draft with these numbers he would go first round….Nice pick, another Lucic type player. A few more of these guys and the Islanders would be hard to play.
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Whoops, my bad on Fisher/Underwood Cruikey…, can’t keep those women straight. Then again, who can?
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You would think these college FA’s would be looking at the teams interested and signing and saying “which team gives me the best opportunity to make a roster and play good minutes right away?” That would be the Isles more then any other team.
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I don’t any of the players that have these high maintenance women that are having a good season. Fisher, no. Dion P, No. and not your X Islander.
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Isles505,
I agree the Isles weren’t gonna resign Comrie anyway, I’m just saying Murray’s comments would seem to mitigate against CB’s from the other day, that Comrie was a throw-in. Unless of course, he’s talking comrie up so as to heighten his trade value… -
Actually the jump from Junior or College should be to the AHL for these players. Not many players by-pass the AHL. And not many players shoul dby-pass that level of developemnt. Look at Philly. They were fortunate to have the kids go to the AHL during the off-season. They Won and it has really showed. Carter, Richards and others have been excellent.
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k..I need to correct my wording for Post #58 Vukota?
No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that a specific player wrote it or said it some place, my bad. Just rumors I heard on boards and from fans, that Tavares Mother was his agent and he expressed to her that he did not want to come play here. But yes since it’s rumor you’d be correct in saying it holds no water, I’m sure I’m not only one who heard this rumor. -
Nothing but rumours. Tavares’ agent is Pat Brisson, one of the biggest agents in the game.
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thx cb…next up who r we going to sign from earlier drafts and progress reports on figren, katic, kessel, gregoire, weslowsky etc….
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CB,
I remember reading a piece on the Isles website, I believe written by you, the year they drafted Katic in the third round, that they must’ve really liked katic, because a scout told you who they had pegged with their third round pick, and as of the isles’ selection he was still on the board…do you recall that piece? And, if so, who was the player the isles passed up? -
CB: Any chance of doing a “True Value” piece on Dean McAmmond? Might be interesting to generate some conversation about where the Isles stand on trading their newest asset.





Damn CB! I was just about to shut down and hit the sheets and I thought let me visit one more time before I call it a night.
The best never rests!
Watched the London/Sarnia game today. Martin was ejected early so didn’t see much of him. DiBo played with an edge and has good size but there were too many shifts where he just didn’t do anything. It was a small dose but he didn’t do anything offensively of note.