THE PB PROSPECT PLAYOFF GUIDE
Plus: an updated list of the NYI’s top 10 youngsters
Want to follow Islanders prospects in the college and junior playoffs? A schedule follows. But first, our pre-playoff rankings of the top 10 Islanders prospects not playing in Bridgeport. For comparison, here’s our first Top 10 column from November 24, 2008. There have been some changes.
TOP 10 NYI PROSPECTS
Not with the big club or in Bridgeport
1. Aaron Ness
2. Corey Trivino
3. Travis Hamonic
4. Kirill Petrov
5. Rhett Rakhshani
6. Mark Katic
7. Matt Martin
8. David Ullstrom
9. Justin DiBenedetto
10. Blake Kessel
Notes: Off our list from November are Robin Figren (No. 4), now in Bridgeport, and goaltender Stefan Ridderwall, whose injuries and sparse playing time give him an incomplete for his season in Sweden.
Joining the list are Justin DiBenedetto, who is far from a sure thing but whose production in the OHL is too good to ignore, and New Hampshire freshman defenseman Blake Kessel, whose ability, commitment plus size (6-2, 210) gives him the slight edge over Spokane dman Jared Spurgeon’s ability and commitment (he’s 5-8, 180).
Moose Jaw defenseman Travis Hamonic jumps from No. 6 to 3, but his season is over. There is a chance he could join Bridgeport, a la Figren last week and Jesse Joensuu before him. Whether Hamonic gets in any games remains to be seen. He may only be there to begin a comprehensive strength and conditioning program.
Kirill Petrov, drafted as a project, remains a project. His contract in Russia is believed to be for at least one more season, maybe two. Perhaps by the end of it, he will have matured. Right now, he’s not even close to competing like a top player in North America.
If there was a spot for a No. 11, it would go to Spurgeon or University of North Dakota freshman forward Jason Gregoire (11-15-26 in 39 games). Matt Donovan merited consideration, too.
No, we haven’t forgotten anyone (Max Gratchev, Jyri Niemi, Kevin Poulin, Simon Lacroix, Doug Rogers, Shea Guthrie…). In some cases, there is still time. As always, we welcome being proved wrong.
WCHA PLAYOFFS
Aaron Ness (2nd round, 2008) plays for Minnesota, Rhett Rakhshani (4th round, 2006, above) is on Denver, and Jason Gregoire (3rd round, 2007) and David Toews (3rd round, 2008) play for the University of North Dakota.
Thursday, March 19 - No. 5 Minnesota Duluth (18-12-8) vs No. 4 Minnesota (17-12-7), 7:07 pm CT (TV - FS North) (Audio - wcha.com)
Friday, March 20 - Semifinal: No. 3 Wisconsin (19-15-4) vs No. 2 Denver (22-10-5), 2:07 pm CT (TV - FS North) (Audio - wcha.com)
Semifinal: Thursday Winner vs No. 1 North Dakota (24-12-4), 7:07 pm CT (TV - FS North) (Audio - wcha.com)
Saturday, March 21 - Third Place Game, 2:07 pm CT (TV - FS North) (Audio - wcha.com)
Broadmoor Trophy Championship Game, 7:07 pm CT (TV - FS North) (Audio - wcha.com)
HOCKEY EAST SEMIFINALS
Corey Trivino (2nd round, 2008, above) plays for Boston University. It should be noted that free agent defenseman Matt Gilroy of Smithtown Bellmore also plays for BU. Former Islanders assistant coach Greg Cronin - a Point Blank favorite - has completely turned around the Northeastern program as head coach.
Friday, March 20 - 5:00: UMass-Lowell vs. Northeastern; 8:00 pm: Boston College vs. Boston University (both games are on NESN).
ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Justin DiBenedetto (6th round, 2008), Matt Martin (5th round, 2008) and Mark Katic (3rd round, 2007, above) play for the Sarnia Sting in their first round, best-of-7 matchup against favored Plymouth.
Sat., March 21, at Plymouth 7:00
Sun., March 22, at Sarnia 6:00
Tues., March 24, at Plymouth 7:00
Thurs., March 26, at Sarnia 7:30,
Sat., March 28, at Plymouth 7:00 *
Sun., March 29, at Sarnia 6:00 *
Tues., March 31 at Plymouth 7:00 *
WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Jyri Niemi (3rd round, 2008, above) plays for Saskatoon, Jared Spurgeon (6th round, 2008) for Spokane.
#1 - Lethbridge @ Saskatoon; Friday, March 20 (7:05pm MST)
#2 - Lethbridge @ Saskatoon; Saturday, March 21 (7:05pm MST)
#3 - Saskatoon @ Lethbridge: Tuesday, March 24 (7:00 pm MST)
#4 - Saskatoon @ Lethbridge: Wednesday, March 25 (7:00 pm MST)
#5 - Lethbridge @ Saskatoon; Saturday, March 28 (7:05pm MST)**
#6 - Saskatoon @ Lethbridge: Monday, March 30 (7:00 pm MST)**
#7 - Lethbridge @ Saskatoon; Wednesday, April 1 (7:05pm MST)**
#1 - Seattle @ Spokane; Friday, March 20
#2 - Seattle @ Spokane; Saturday, March 21
#3 - Spokane @ Seattle; Tuesday, March 24
#4 - Spokane @ Seattle, Wednesday, March 25
*Note: Times and rest of schedule tbd.
ETC: Max Gratchev (4th round, 2007) plays for Lewiston in their first round Quebec Major Junior Hockey League series vs. Drummondville. Also in the Quebec League playoffs, Simon Lacroix (7th round, 2007) and Shawinigan face Kevin Poulin (5th round, 2008) and Victoriaville.
Comments on prospects here. Comment Guidelines. If you missed it in the St. Patrick’s haze, some Mark Streit commentary in next thread.
54 Responses to “THE PB PROSPECT PLAYOFF GUIDE
Plus: an updated list of the NYI’s top 10 youngsters”
Please Wait
Awesome stuff CB, thanks!
The Isles probably want a guy like Petrov to jump over soon, as these years of development are very important, and the KHL seems to be really poorly run. CB: Is Ridderwall gonna hop the pond soon? If he isn’t playing much is he a write off?
Great post CB. I go to UMass Amherst and have the pleasure to see Gilroy and Trivino on BU and Kessel on UNH although they are both despised rivals. Trivino kind of reminds me of Tambi. Small and a hell of a shot. Let’s hope he develops into something more than Jeff, though. UMass Amherst put up a big fight against Northeastern in the first round, but they are by far the better team. I absolutely love college and junior hockey… the crowds are the best. The Marcou brothers, Mike and James, are from Long Island and both play for the Minutemen… I believe the older one was invited to Isles camp two seasons ago. He is small but has a great shot and lead Hockey East in PP points for the beginning of the season. It is an absolute longshot, but I wish the Isles invite him to camp again this year.
Sorry for the rambling! It’s St.Patty’s day and I got home early from eating Corned Beef and drinking Guinness.
nice read…yotes win. shane doane scores with 23 seconds left in regulation…awesome…tampa, col. got 1 point phoenix got 2…well see what tomarrow brings
CB,
After all the hype and the raves, why is Matt Martin not ranked higher? Not only am I surprised that you’ve ranked Rakhshani above him (though reports are good about RR), but he’s not even the highest ranked member of the Sarnia Sting! What did Katic do to merit the higher ranking above Martin? From all we’ve seen on this blog and elsewhere, I thought Martin was the best prospect on Sarnia…
True CB, but that doesn’t explain why Katic is ranked above him. From everything we’ve read, including the article from the local Sarnia paper, Martin seems to have more of a chance of MAKING the Islanders in the first place…
I hope as many of you as possible get a chance to watch Matt Gilroy play this weekend. He is really good. And, Brigeport is one of the regional sites for the NCAA tournament, so hopefully BU gets sent there. (Beats Manchester, NH. Ick.)
Completely agree with CB that Aaron Ness was far and away the best Isles prospect playing in college hockey this year. Saw about 12 UMinn games this year. Short, as you can tell from the picture, but fast, fast, fast and athletic. All sharp turns and blinding stops and starts. A very unique player.
Glad to see Kessel breaking into the top 10, unfortuately my wildcats got knocked out in the first round of the hockey east tournament. Hopefully we still get a bid into the NCAA playoffs so Kessel can get some good experience in.
Gotta agree with Akeem CB, how does a Trivino, undersized, injury prone and as stated needes serious gym time get a #2 ranking. I am sure he possibly might be a player one day but hey! He played the eqivelent of jr. b hockey before going to bean town. Hasn’t played with the big boys in the ohl (tough stuff) Another thing bothers me about world jr. picks, except for the canadian and u.s. teams the players from the ohl that played for other countrys on the whole were 4th line players in the ohl? Point being just because you played in the W jrs because you had a certain citizenship did not make you a world jr. player! Great if a player has upside but who have they played against to compare talents, sorry gotta give a ney to some of your top 10. Just because you were drafted high doesn’t give you the nod nor does the guy who got drafted later have to always get the microscope till he makes the show. Character grit and talent are the biggest upsides. Now if there are certain peramiters used in these rankings sorry for the rant, I enjoy your column but am just calling it as I see it.
Thanks CB for letting us know where and when to follow these guys. You provide a great service for us Islanders fans, that not even the Isles give us.
Thanks for the update CB. Great stuff as always. I’m hoping to see Martin play the role you mention with the big club - big gritty character forward (read third liner) with decent hands. Scatch part 2 anyone?
Also one question Chris, do you feel Ness realistically has a chance at being an impact player in the NHL as a defenseman given his size? I know he’s young and I know others have done it before him just wanted your take on it.
Of the players on the list Hamonic and Martin went above what was projected out of them this year. Ness and Trivino are both true freshman. Ness issue is size Trivino needs strength and should get much more ice time next yesr since Colin Wilson is expected to leave.From Sarnia it appears that Katic has earned a pro contract, the others could to for next year. Solid list prospect list, the question does one or two become a high end prospect and the best we can do is follow their progress.
ness really appears to have proved himself at the college level this year. Not many 18 year olds (and that small) jump in there and succeed that quickly. Thats a great sign. Obviously, his size scares me but in this day and age where defenseman cant touch anyone, you better be able to skate and this kid appears to lack nothing in the skating department.
Hopefully he continues to develop so we dont get into another messy situation between his coach and our GM after having gone that road with Okposo. And, by the way, looks like Snow was right on that one…
Hey CB, Ness kinda reminds me of a John-Michael Liles type of guy..is that a fair assessment? Plus I’m sure he’ll grow a bit more too.
Also….I understand Petrov is a project but is he a realistic project? Or we won’t really know till he comes over to North America and gets his feet wet?
great post Chris.
Being that Ness is the same size as my little sister.. any chance he can move to forward? (even though we already have enough lil fella’s up front)
Everyone keeps talking about aaron’s size. I agree he is definitely undersized for a defenseman. But, if i may, I would like to make a comparison that could very well come to fruition:
Dan Boyle: 5-11 190 lbs.
Aaron Ness (18 and still growing): 5-10 170 lbs.
I like ness…I have a friend that plays at BU who says he plays similiar to brian raflaski…which i dont think ne fan would mind having on this team….as for matt martin….if hes gonna be a fourth line intangibles guy we could defintely use him….i do feel like he has more upside to him though….wats ur thoughts on this CB?
PS…CB do you think if ness continues to make progress he could make the jump to the pros after next season?
Nice article CB! I don’t know why so many people feel that Ness is too small to play in the NHL? He’s listed at 5′10″ and between 160-170lbs depending on where you look, but give the kid a couple of years to add some muscle and weight. Brian Rafalski is doing just fine in the NHL and he too is listed at 5′10″. Marc-Andre Bergeron…5′9″.
CB, in establishing the rankings of prospects the info you’ve gathered on the players must come from within the Isles org scouting team I assume?
I understand how many would like all the prospects to be Goliaths but it ain’t happening. What matters to me is can the guy play… and does he have the desire and heart to get it done… because no matter how big you are without desire and heart the job won’t get done.
Man I hate when the Islanders aren’t playing. All this prospects stuff and college hockey just bore the snot out of me.
I have seen a lot of Ness this year, as I follow a lot of the WCHA teams. I believe he is at least 3 years away from the NHL. He is small and for the time being also plays small.
I love the prospect posts, important when we don’t have the playoffs to look foward to.
Seems like Corey Trivino’s season was wasted, hard to believe he is still our #2 prospect..Figren and Petrov stalled this year as well….Does not look like all the picks from last year have moved us far up the list in terms of prospect strenghth.
Will the Islanders sign Rhakshani? Does Kessel have a real chance?
Brian @ 17 - I’ve wondered the same thing about Ness though never having played competitive hockey it’s easy for me to conjecture of a switch to forward for him whereas it might not be such an easy move for a player.
anyone notice that the Coyotes beat the Sharks and all the other last place teams (besides Hotlanta) gained points by losing in OT?? All in all a good off night
goaliemike….YES I DID!
now let’s help ourselves some more and lose
Goaliemike — that Phoenix victory over the Sharks was HUGE. And Atlanta is far enough ahead of us that they would have to have a pretty big collapse to fall behind us. It’s the Coyotes and the Lightning who worry me. Tampa was winning with less than 10 minutes to go. At least they got a point.
Poor DiBo! No respect!
I hope (like every Isles fan) that he comes to the Bridge and tears it up.
CB-are you saying that out of all the players on that list Matt Martin is the only one that could make the isles but only as a 4th liner? or as of now like today….
Nice job on the progress reports CB.Hopefully you will have to keep changing it because another prospect steps.We understand it is not a list of who will make the team first,and that it’s just an update on how the Isles draft picks are progressing.
CB - Any word on the health of Trivino and Petrov. I know both were hurt a large portion of the year. Also, will Trivino see any real playing time in the playoffs?
DiBo gets no respect. I haven’t see him but he must be just a scraper.
I guess im not going to like Trivino then. Tambellini is too one dimensional in my opinion.
I dont understand why Martin rank so low. From everything else i have read they say he is most Bridgeport ready. He has size, good hands, and is tough.
Petrov is totally lottery, its better we just pay no attention to him and maybe something happens which is all upside. I’m not going to get my hopes up. Bring me Tavares and Petrov can stay in Russia.
With 12 games to go, here are the possibilities for finishing last. First things first, Tampa - huge point lost yesterday - lead Isles by 5, same amount of games played, 23 wins to 24 for Isles.
Atl - Lead by 8, have played 1 more game. Atl and Tampa play 2 games against one another -so thats 4 points. Could be 4,3,2 or 1 for each. Colorado has 64 points with 31 wins -most of all teams. 11 games to go. Phoenix 64 points, 29 wins, 12 to go. 1 game against each other.
Bottom line - If Isles win 5 of 12 (kinda unlikely with their sched, but hey) Atlanta only has to get 3 points, Phoenix 3, Colorado 3. Its Tampa to worry about, not Atl,Pho,Col -they will be ahead. Col and Atl finish with last 3 games at home. Do the math….If the Islanders win less than 5 games, because of the matchups, the other teams will eliminate themselves from last, and therefore it comes down to 1 game. Isles-Tampa next Saturday.
Just wondering…Is it true that the Islanders can finish in 30th and have a 51.8% chance of not picking #1 overall.
#35 Correct
But they would automatically get the 2nd pick. The lottery is for 1st pick only. After that it goes by record.
Isles vs Tampa and the loser gets the #1 pick. Not a pretty picture!!!
#32 - I haven’t seen any of BU’s playoff games, but the last few regular season games I saw, Trivino was getting a lot of ice time. I don’t think he’s anything like Tambellini. For one, he’s about four inches taller, he does have a great shot. The only thing I don’t like about him is the games I’ve seen, he doesn’t look like he plays with that much intensity. That maybe because he’s not the center of the offense like he was in junior B. I think next season should be a better indicator of what he is, he should be getting top six minutes and more PP time with Wilson gone.
JoeRiverside,
Actually, the lottery is technically not for the 1st pick. If a team better than 5th worst wins the lottery, than they simply move up 5 spots. So, for example, if the 6th worst team, which if the season were to end today would be the LA Kings, won the lottey, they would get the 2nd pick, and the worst team would remain with the 1st pick.
Can they sign me for a 1 game tryout to play in goal against Tampa….
The lottery really is crazy, not so much the way they do the #1 pick but the way, as Akeem described it, the 12th pick could move to 7th. I mean…what’s the point?
So white knuckles time from here on out. I’ll be flying over the Pacific when the Isles and Bolts face off next week.
hmmmm, seems like a perfect day (week) for some CB stories………..
Thursday games for reverse scoreboard watching.
Washington at Tampa Bay
Edmonton at Colorado
Anaheim at Phoenix
Nice action shot on the BU pic (Trivino). Where do you get these photos from, CB?
Duncan Keith was about Ness’ current size when Chicago drafted him. Like Keith, Ness is a great skater, superior hockey sense, so let’s hope.
This may have been written about before but when is Gilroy eligible to sign?
One difference between Ness, Trivino and Toews,compared to Gregoire, Kessel and Matt Donovan next year(Denver University). The first 3 are all 18 year olds, the latter are a year older. I like both Gregoire and Kessel, they stepped right in a did a good job for their teams.
Gilroy will sign with a team after the NCAA play-offs end. BU is playing for the Hockey East title this weekend, even if they don’t win they’ll get an at large bid. If you want to hear BU play, you can find their radio station on AM 1510.
Questions for CB:
Do Isle’s scouts participate somehow in the prospects development (besides Sound Tigers)? Does anyone from the organization works with the team’s coaches to aim players on the right pass, advise them what they should be working on to improve the kids? Or the organization just watches them from sidelines and gives the youngsters to prove themselves? Thanks in advance for any response.
Does this list just seem rather underwhelming for our top prospects?
#4 Petrov is a maybe type of project a la Oleg?
Sorry, but I’m no more excited about this than I was with Chris Nielson and Justim mapletoft (who put up monster numbers with Red Deer before joinging Bridgeport).
I hope we’re really doing better with all our picks.
Great writeup, man. Some excellent info.
#39 - yes, I forgot to mention, only the top 5 teams get a shot at 1st pick. That is why the worse team has a 48.2% odds of getting 1st pick.
CB, I think you are underestimating Rhett Ehaskanni, (Spelling) at #5. He should be 2nd or third. He almost averaged a point per game and is one of the top two point leaders on a very competitvie University of Denver team.
CB ~ Do you happen to know where Arron Ness was ranked among NA Skaters at mid year last year? I heard through the grapevine this weekend that he was ranked in the top 30, but dropped in ranking at the final rankings prior to the draft… what’s the scoop on that and is there a concensus as to why the drop if he did drop?