Comments on: PB Q & A – JUSTIN DiBENEDETTO: On his pro debut, defying skeptics and what he must improve

By: 19 ISLE in NJ 22

19 ISLE in NJ 22 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:20:14 +0000

DiBo looks like he has the make up of a very servicable career multi-role player … I hope he fullfills that potential … that key trait of his character that loves proving naysayers wrong is fantastic… Look forward to his continued development. He can become a key component of a tough competitive Islander team.

By: Butts

Butts — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:09:01 +0000

Dibo is a winner. Ben watching him for five years. This guys is one of the smartest guys on the ice or for that matter on the team. He can flat right out play. Smart with the puck, fast, great shot, no feer, like the front of the net. He is a 40 goal man + in the NHL. Mark my words. Watch this guy, get on his band wagon. He is off the ice one of the nicest guys you ever want to meet. A real team player. Likes kids and works with them. An NHL all star in four years. Count on it. I got my money on #9 in Sarnia and #7 at the Bridge. He has got it all.

By: FIsles

FIsles — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:23:03 +0000

In a way it’s a shame most of these kids never reach the NHL because as a fan you always get attached to following their career and hoping for the best. Just the hard fact of life with all the competition and limited space. DiBo has a good chance of at least getting a taste of the NHL at some point if he works really hard and diversifies his game. Could be a diamond in the rough, only time will tell.

I’d expect the Islanders to send Matt Martin back to the OHL for another season though. It would seem to make more sense from the point of view of managing contracts, prospects, and roster space (throughout the organization). Next year will likely be the make-or-break year for several AHL guys, so unless they decide to dump some of those guys now, they probably won’t bring Martin up from the juniors. DiBo is a year older than Martin, so he was always going to be signed after the season he had. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Martin and also Rhett Rakhshani. If I were in Rakhshani’s shoes, I’d probably want to start my pro career sooner rather than later considering the prospects pipeline.

By: cusi

cusi — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:07:58 +0000

Good luck DiBo! CB…thanks for the read.

By: Jimmy Sparx

Jimmy Sparx — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:02:38 +0000

I for one am not putting my hopes on Justin that he is going to put numbers in the NHL like he is in Junior, but my gut feeling is he is going to be better than expected. Could he be our next Ray Ferraro just a bit taller?

By: sincityhockeyfan

sincityhockeyfan — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:54:50 +0000

cb great article, and as always you leave us the reader wanting more

By: Cruicky

Cruicky — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:47:11 +0000

This kid and Matt martin, if you are able to sign him are two of the Islanders future. Two diamonds in the rough. Pun intended. These kids are big, strong, fast and have scoring ability. Perfect fit for any NHL team. The Islanders deserve a big job well done, for these picks.

By: Smokey

Smokey — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:20:14 +0000

Awesome read. Always love pieces like this. Great interview.

By: mt275

mt275 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:09:58 +0000

DiBo might turn into 2010 version of David Volek, a few good years with over 20 goals.

By: mrlbem

mrlbem — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:41:39 +0000

Nice article, Chris. Any news on contract negotiations with Matt Martin?

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:32:39 +0000

Great read. Thanks CB.

By: butch91

butch91 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:09:00 +0000

I am an islanders fan in New Jersey and I wanted to say to Chris please do not ever stop this blog!! I have never been able to get anything like this story before. I had to go on the discussion board on Newsday or Hockey buzz,to get any Islander news now I feel I can follow my team like every other NY team. Thank You.