FIGREN OUT A WAY: NYI hope Swedish prospect
Robin Figren can play for the Sound Tigers
The news about prospect Robin Figren possibly joining Bridgeport in the next few days (source: Mike Fornabaio) comes with a major IF.
This being a mostly-free world, the Islanders’ 3rd round pick in 2006 is always welcome to come and hang out in Connecticut. However, he’s only free to actually play in the American Hockey League if the Swedish hockey federation allows it. Since his homeland may insist on holding back Figren so he can represent Sweden in the World Championships, that’s not a slam dunk.
Figren is a good prospect who did not take a step forward in his development this season. (Three months ago, we ranked him No. 4 among non-AHL prospects). While the Islanders gave their blessing for the left wing – who turns 21 on Saturday – to play a year in the Swedish Elite League after two in the Western Hockey League, Figren received limited icetime with Djurgardens. In 49 games, he had 3 goals and 6 assists.
The Islanders need to get Figren playing in North America as soon as possible. Despite his uneventful season in Sweden, he remains an important prospect for the franchise.
A year ago, Jesse Joensuu had the invaluable experience of joining the Sound Tigers late in the season. He took part in practices and suited up for one game. With the Bridgeport lineup decimated by injuries and call-ups to the Islanders, the Sound TIgers could use Figren every night in the scramble for a playoff berth.
Right now, his AHL availability for this season is not a given.
Comments.
55 Responses to FIGREN OUT A WAY: NYI hope Swedish prospect
Robin Figren can play for the Sound Tigers
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JPinVA says:
wow… u b always workin’!
The guy has 3 goals and Sweden is fighting to keep him there so he can play on the national team. What is the line in vegas, give me a mortgage payment on SWE. -
Will C says:
Just when I am down about crappy coverage of todays action by the NHL Network…CB STRIKES! Nice man, looking forward to getting together Tues. Good times…I’m sure it will be worth the 250 miles. (We will be visiting some family before the action, so it should be a fun day!)
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FIsles says:
The Swedish hockey federation won’t hold him back over the World Championships. Let’s face it, the Swedish Elite League is full of better players than Figren and only the best play in the national team. I don’t think Figren has got any realistic chance of being selected after the season he’s had.
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Andreas the Badger says:
I agree with 4. Figren won’t play in the WC. No way.
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Coach B says:
Joenssu was lucky he was playing regularly
in the Finnish Elite League witch is not common for a young player. Figren came to play junior,played in the WJC then broke his wrist. After spending 2 year in North Amaerica he wanted to go home for a year. Young players need ice time and Figren would have had plenty in Bridgeport and he might have even been called up for a few games. Kirill Petrov has the same problem, he’s in the KHL but not playing much. -
Benny From Sweden says:
I am from Sweden and I follow hockey here closely can definately say that the chances that Figren will play for team Sweden in the World Championships are roughly the same as Andy Hilbert making the NHL all star team.
There is no chance. His season here in Sweden is definately a big disappointment. Unfortunately it does not just come down to him being a young player. His team a few players even younger than him that has produced more. He has been given ice time but he has not capitalized on his chances. I think the best for him would be to join Bridgeport and develop there.
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Alan says:
Robin will greatly benefit from a year in B’Port. He has Jason Blake written all over him. As far as B’Port is concerned, how is Dustin Kohn developing. Does he have top 4 potential or will he be a throw in to a future trade. Finally, CB, please rank Aaron Ness, Blake Kessel and Marc Katic to where you see them fitting into the Isles future on the blueline.
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Jim from St James says:
Was @ the game last night, and two things came to mind, The Joensuu kid can play…and ranger fans make me sick, at the end of the game a dad and his two kids are leaving with about 2 mins to go, and there were grown men in Rags jerseys taunting the little kids…yes, grown men yelling at little kids, funny cause I’m 6’3” and no one said anything to me. Class to the end…And don’t believe a word they say, this team leaving would be as big as another cup for some of these people.
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Sorry to go off topic CB, still the best site in hockey…
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Wedregast says:
Alan, its waaaay too early to guesstimate where Ness will fit on the blueline. He is in his 1st year of college-way too soon to tell how he will develop or what his potential role could be. He still needs to bulk up and will probably grow a few inches (hopefully), and is probably 3 years off from playing in the AHL. So your talking about 4 years, and a growth spurt between now and when we see Ness up. Its a shot in the dark at best right now.
As for Kessel, and Katic… CB I’m sure can gauge since they’ve been in the system for a while.
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valentino says:
all those years of finishing 8th and first round eliminations are haunting us. Middle of the road performance yields middle of the road draft picks. With the exception of Okposo, everyone is a 3rd or 4th liner on any other respectable nhl team. We try to sell them as more, but reality is, they are just average at best.
Scouting better step up and take advantage of all these draft picks. realistically we need to finish bottom 3-5 for about 3 years before we turn the corner and build something like the penguins did. Assuming scouting doesnt screw up and pass on guys like parise again.
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This team must get a cornerstone player over the next 2 drafts. Tavares or Hedman this season. Taylor Hall in 2010. I was encouraged by the effort last night. Jack Hillen could be just as good as Chris Campoli. Jesse Joensuu has size and skill. The only knock from last night’s game is that Josh Bailey looks like he’s hit a wall. He might need to sit up in the press box for the next few games to rethink things. Do this now before the next training camp comes along.
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Max'n the Hamptons says:
Bailey seems to have a lot of problems receiving passes cleanly or at all.
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bossy22 says:
Cut Bailey some slack. Not only is he young, but he’s taking on a big role playing for a last place team. It’s not like the supporting cast is helping him. To much to ask of Bailey at this stage of his career. What Bailey will gain from playing this year is what it’s going to take to be productive at this level. This year can not be looked at as a waste or wrong move from Snow. He doesn’t look out of place on the ice even though the scoring chances have dried up a bit. Teams fighting for playoff spots are playing better and more desperate hockey and they are putting good lines against Bailey and Okposo knowing full well, they are possilby the only players that can hurt them on the scoreboard.
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Cruicky says:
Figren, another prospect that will probably play less than 100 games in the NHL, never amount to much. However, you have a great start on the rebuild. The game last night was fast and nobody really looked out of place. Danis did not get smoked, although if there was a game that a goalie could steal last night was one of those. Very few good scoring chances for either team.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
hey anyone notice how out of shape and slow Joenssu was last night. kid needs to work his cardio and get a bit faster.
Good nose for the net though. just as you want power foward to do.
Isles played great last night. Henrik was the difference. Rangers did make us pay for our mistakes. cant be too hard on DANIS
1) Jackman turnover to zherdev
2) hilbert and mccammond ran into each other
3) drury had nice slow shot
4) a 20mph broken stick shot was the heart breaker.that was bs call by refs on hunter check on avery.
Avery, morris all not factors.
Rangers are not going anywhere. If hilbert buries that first goal, and okposo or bergenheim score that first period an it would of been different game.
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TIM says:
Isn’t Figren coming over next season anyways i thought his deal called for the first year in the swedish elite-league then the next two in North America,it would be nice to get him over here his progress has been stalled over their
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bergie20 says:
i hope that sweden doesn’t get in the way of robin staying in the ahl. he needs to learn in b’port. the sel is a great league but they are not known for developing kids. still a very promising prospect – he just needs time in the ahl.
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Here’s my question to you all. With all these so called prospects, 14 picks this year, including hopefully Tavares or Hedman, where are all these guys going to fit in? Are they just hoping if you throw enough s@%t against the wall eventually some of it will stick. Are we going to go with all youngsters the next 2 years? I really like the young nucleus here, a couple more young studs and a few free agents we could be back in playoff hunt before long.
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Dan says:
Just look at the roster we dressed. On our entire team there are maybe 4 guys who could play on any other team in the NHL. The rest of the boys are average prospects that would be average in the AHL. I hate to tell everyone but we dont have Crosby or Malkin in the wings. KO can play any other forward on the team is a 3rd or 4th liner at best.
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Moose says:
Dean mcammond has kinda impressed me so far, coming into a bad situation he’s played hard and showed more in 5 games than comrie did all season, great in the faceoff circle too..I’m sure he will be gone but its nice to see
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kevin fitz says:
Newsday has gotten so pro Rangers it has made me sick. I can’t even read the paper anymore. Avery played well last night??? He got hit all night and never did much offensively and took a stupid penalty. Ya thats what I call a good game.
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UIF says:
Jerry, I think your “against the wall” thought isn’t far off. Get as many bodies in there as possible, keep the ones that work, and trade the ones that have promise but do not fit in here for select vets when the time comes to make a push.
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Rick from LI says:
Jim, I was thinking the same thing about Joensuu. I know he didn’t look like a world beater last night, but in his defense, the game was very physical and there wasn’t a lot of space on the ice. I was impressed by his willingness to play the body, go hard to the net and look to make plays. I believe that with some conditioning he is going to be a legit 2nd line winger and good power play scorer. Hillen is showing flashes now too. I’m starting to feel good about some of the kids. I hope Robin comes over, works out the kinks and finds away to fill the other wing with Jesse some day.
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Dally Mac says:
I beleive that next year the islanders should take advantage of Bailey being 20 and not under the jr. restrictions, and put him in the minors for 20-40 games to let him excel, get stronger, and be a big deal down there. His development will be better served. Bring him back up in the New Year and let him go. If we are signing Weight, it frees him up anyway. He will be a great player in this league for years to come.
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20 Jerry (20): You sound almost like you think the Isles are doing something strange or unusual. What do you think every other professional sports team does, consult a crystal ball lol? Pick up a lot of kids, touted and sleepers that you and your scouts think its worth it to bet on, and you hope that some of them work out. That is the way a team builds through the draft- and I am glad they are doing it, too.
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isles316 says:
Most players at the Bridge this year improved a lot. The guys up now are all fitting it fairly well.
Hopefully Figren can join them.
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nystrom23 says:
I hate to say it everyone but if your were watching the game last night but that team of “minor league players” played a pretty good game last night. Granted they made mistakes especially on the first goal and some bad bounces, we played well
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I think we all have to remember that with an abundance of kids, even if they are all, say, for example 2nd and 3rd liners, Snow will have the extra chips to say, trade 2, 2nd liners for a first. Two 3rd line guys for a 2nd line guy, then turn that guy into a 1st with a decent pick, Etc…
Take this scenario, team A has no more cap space, but has, say 4 1st line guys, Snow offers three 2-3rd line guys, deal is made, snow gets top line talent, team A frees cap space and gets a return for their guy. It is all about options, and finally, Snow will have some options for the future. -
Hey CB, I’m reading this article you have here and I enjoy everything you write, this site rocks, but I have to ask myself for such a great blogger like yourself to write a prospect who has 9 points, are the Islanders really rebuilding yet? Or is this just the year before the year we start to really rebuild?
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MR4742 says:
We know Dan. That is part of rebuilding any professional sports team in any sport. You start by adding depth to your roster and drafting prospects. The first couple of years are rough but that’s where you get some of your first and second liners in the draft. Then in year 3 or 4 you add some veteran talent and one or two high end 1st and 2nd liners to round out what you drafted. Depth is used for trades and to continue to develop in the hopes that they over achieve and add to your lineup. This isn’t a new formula and is very common.
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Chris(27)
I agree with what you’re saying, I guess what i’m really wondering is, a good franchise builds through the draft but it also drafts to eventually use those chips for veteran players or young established players ie: Camalleri,Sedintwins etc to help the team win sooner than later. Do you think that the brain trust here can do that. -
Izzy Franchise says:
Do we really think we’re gonna be lucky enough to get the #1 pick? seriously?
Do you guys really believe that we are due and we will get the #1?
If we don’t get it, is it just bad luck are do you guys buy into the conspiracy theory?
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Izzy,
When the math tells you there is less than a 50% chance of getting the first pick, you can’t believe in conspiracy theories. -
Is Hedman the automatic second choice. This guy could be up to 3 years away from seeing the NHL.
There are many other options that have a kid more developed and ready to play sooner at this level. Who will the Islanders pick???
The only play we have seen from Hedman was at WJC. He did not shine, seemed weak.
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isles3113 says:
Excited for Figren coming here soon hopefully… One thing about yesterdays game… Martinek has to go down to try to block the pass to gomez that scored the goal, very upset with the way he handled that play
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Drafting 1st overall won’t change the world either, look at Tampa with Vinny ( should be in the lottery this year) or even Pitt ( two of the top centers in the game and they might miss the playoffs? Hey take the Rags, lots of big name free agents, and they might miss the playoffs, there is no quick fix, Draft, draft well & stockpile guys, and let them grow into the system. We have some good young guys, and think, teams are throwing out there top D against OK-Bailey-Comeu, and they are still producing, It is kind of like having a good 3-4-5-6 lineup in baseball, with one good hitter, they can pitch around him, with 4 decent hitters, every one gets a better look at the ball. Either way, it is way more fun to watch then a big market team constantly fall short…
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Kevin- Thats why i asked all that. i’m curious how everyone really feels.
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lovin lethbridge says:
If they finish last, they are guaranteed either 1 or 2 pick. And I would think Hedman is the only other option at 2. He played in the WJC with a bad shoulder, and if it were not such an important tourney, would not have played.
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coolhndluke says:
#38 exactly and the draft well part starts with Tavares #1 or Hedman at 2. BTW Tavares has 28 goals and 43 pts in 22 games with the London Knights and is a few short of OHL scoring record in only 4 seasons
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To me if we don’t get Tavares it will be a huge disappointment.
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Cruicky (36): I certainly hope not, Nothing should be automatic, they should be watching and thinking long and hard about hwo they will pick with all those draft picks. If an organization just blindly listens to what is automatic, what good are they?
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Lets just hope to pick #1, grab Tavares, and give JayBo and nice long/big contract, to me that would be a awesome way to start the offseason
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I know this is off topic, and I’m sure CB doesn’t want us to discuss this kind of stuff here… but I gotta ask. Did anybody else catch this in Logan’s write up:
“As if to take out some frustration after the Gomez goal to start the third period, the Isles’ Trent Hunter boarded Avery”
Okay, so Dolan has removed all objectivity from Newsday reporting, but to PROJECT Trent’s feelings on a borderline (even jaffe had to look at it from three angles) call and premium acting job.
Sorry CB, I’m just curious on how the rest of the Isle fans here feel about that. -
Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Wow! So many picks, so many choices, so many chances. It’s tough to be Snow for the few upcoming years. This year’s Draft should be interesting. Can’t wait!
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#45 agreed, it was definately a penalty but we were nailing him (clean hits) all night, to suggest intent is a stretch.
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And untill pass the first round of playoffs: Go Penguins!
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vlad (46) i hate being a fan and haing the draft to look forward to
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It is always interesting to look at the draft 8 to 10 years after the fact. You always see a few guys that were lower picks outshine most or many of the higher picks, with some exceptions.
The Islanders have a huge oppurtunity to make it or break it.
This draft is what Garth will be remembered for with the Islanders.
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I think Pittsburgh gets in and moves CP up to the 4th round. Big games tonight, Montreal at Atlanta (NHL Network) and St. Louis at Tampa Bay.
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Yes. Let’s Go ATL and TB!
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What’s the over/under on Brian Burke, sitting the entire team or playing without a goalie in order to move TO into the last spot?
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Dadi says:
Cruicky, Hedman’s playing for last two years against MEN…Tavares vs.16-18 years old kids.
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Figren is another gem picked by Neil Smith in the 06 draft, he will be a good player, he needs to play in North America and get more ice time, He will be another solid contributor in the next two years. Kids played tough last night, they are no pushover. The kids are allright!!!!
I met Figren last year at the Draft Party. He seemed like a nice young man.