NO IMMEDIATE HELP DEVELOPED IN BRIDGEPORT
Point Blank’s rankings of top prospects in the AHL
CB on NHL’s Penguins and Sharks working together
It’s neither harsh nor pleasant. It’s just reality.
The Islanders’ best young players - John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey – are up with the big club.
Arguably their top prospect – Calvin de Haan – is in the Ontario Hockey League.
The 2007 draft – without a first and second round pick – understandably did little to fill the prospect coffers. Blake Kessel could turn out all right.
Beyond the drafting of Kyle Okposo, the 2006 draft may not turn out to be half the success many in the organization have boasted it would be.
The end result is that a lot rides on the development of the draft picks in 2008 and 2009. But that’s a discussion for another day, when we present our rankings of the top Islanders prospects in junior, college and Europe.
For now, here’s our look at the franchise’s young players on the AHL farm. As you will see (and may already know), with the possible exception of Trevor Smith and Andrew MacDonald there is little immediate help here for the big club. They are prospects.
11. Micheal Haley: Likeable longshot could become a fourth line irritant. Arguably the best middleweight frequent fighter in the organization since Garry Howatt.
0-2-2 and 57 PIM in 10 games
Upside: Fourth-line NHL forward
Worst-case: minor leaguer
10. Dustin Kohn: Defenseman who needs to establish an identity. Not skilled enough to be a puck-mover, so far not rugged and mobile enough to be a shut-down. Time is running out for 2005 second round pick to prove he can be an NHL regular.
2-5-7 in 17 games
Upside: No. 6 defenseman
Worst-case: depth defenseman
9. Mark Katic: Third round pick from 2007 has played fairly solid defense, not an easy task for a first-year pro. He’ll develop in Bridgeport for a while.
1-2-3 in 16 games
Upside: No. 5 defenseman
Worst-case: depth defenseman
8. Robin Figren: Early stage of North American pro career for talented wing has been borderline disastrous. Healthy scratches, struggles to learn system, little to no impact on games. It’s still early for the 2006 third round pick, but the signs have not been good.
0-1-1 in 12 games
Upside: Third-line NHL forward
Worst-case: Not an NHL player, back to Europe in a few years
7. Joel Rechlicz: After starting season with the Islanders, the 6-4 Wrecker was sent to Bridgeport so the prospective enforcer can improve his game while the clock is actually running. Played fourth line and now is injured.
0-0-0 and 30 PIM in 6 games
Upside: Fourth line NHL enforcer-agitator
Worst-case: Minor leaguer
6. Andrew MacDonald: The Ted Nolan-backed sixth round draft pick in 2006 continues to develop properly on the farm. When the Islanders need another defenseman, if they don’t acquire one on waivers or in a trade MacDonald is the most likely recall.
1-6-7 in 17 games
Upside: No. 4 NHL defenseman
Worst-case: NHL/AHL depth player
5. Justin DiBenedetto: 2008 sixth round pick a long way from racking up all those points in the Ontario League. Will likely need at least two years in the AHL to prove he can be a scorer in the big leagues. His two goals this season came on the power play in the same game. Welcome to the pros, DiBo.
2-3-5 in 17 games
Upside: Second-line NHL forward
Worst-case: Not an NHL player
4. Trevor Smith: Three years after signing as a free agent after his sophomore year at New Hampshire, Smith continues to improve as an offensive forward. Scored 30 goals in the AHL last year. Needs to improve his consistency and his battle level.
6-4-10 in 17 games
Upside: Third-line NHL forward and power play
Worst-case: NHL/AHL depth player
3. Matt Martin: First-year pro has performed as expected. He’s raw and probably will never be a big point producer, but if brought along right could be a strong intangibles player for the Islanders for years to come.
2-4-6 and 42 PIM in 17 games
Upside: Third-line NHL power wing and intangibles player
Worst-case: NHL Fourth-line forward
2. Jesse Joensuu: Everyone knew the 6-4 Finn would take time to become a North American-style power wing. Still just 22 years old and big forwards traditionally take longer to develop, but looks like he’s got a long way to go. Second round pick in 2006 needs to skate harder, play smarter and use his size.
1-6-7 in 16 games
Upside: Second-line NHL skill and size wing
Downside: You don’t even want to think about it
1. Mikko Koskinen: The 6-7 goalie is No. 1 for three reasons: the competition (see above) is not sterling, he’s unquestionably gifted and the reality is he has to be.
When the Islanders traded one second round pick, two thirds and a fourth to move up and take Calvin de Haan (2-8-10 in 15 games this season with OHL Oshawa), they couldn’t miss with the first pick in the second round. With so many gifted kids still on the board, including 18-year old Ryan O’Reilly of the Colorado Avalanche, the Islanders took the big goalie from Finland. He’s out with a hip injury and expected back around Christmas. Koskinen, 21, has the ability and comes with expectations.
1-1-0, 2.45 GAA, .902 save pct.
Upside: No. 1 NHL goalie
Worst-case: No. 2 NHL goalie
Comments on Islanders prospects in Bridgeport only in this post. Comment Guidelines.
88 Responses to NO IMMEDIATE HELP DEVELOPED IN BRIDGEPORT
Point Blank’s rankings of top prospects in the AHL
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mt275 says:
I was very high on the SoundTigers this year. It has been disappointing to say the least. Our prospect pool is thin, and not very exciting. I know that Greg Moore is not really considered a prospect, but would he actually takes over Jackman’s job next year? He can fight, as well as produced a few goals.
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leviticus says:
CB, very interesting post. But, I think it is a bit misleaqding. For example, as I just looked at the 2006 draft, of the players the Isles could have chosen instead of Joenssu (pick #60) and Figren (pick #70), only Steve Mason (#69) and Cal Clutterbuck (pick #72) has had any kind of NHL success…and in the case of Clutterbuck, it’s been quite modest. Maybe, it’s just too early to be evaluating 2, 3, and 4th rounders from 06? Especiaslly when many of them (i.e. Rakhshani) are still in college or juniors??? Certainly we can’t complain about the choice of KO, and it would seem that only first round talent can be evaluated at this point in time. Based on your logic everyone was unsuccessful in the 06 draft…but then again, maybe you are jumping the gun a bit.
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hale78 says:
i have not seen greg moore fight once this year…i wouldn’t write all of them off yet…it is going to take time for the kids to adjust to playing agianst men…i think we’ll have a better look after half a season
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also…for what its worth nathan lawson has played really good in bport..
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Mike for Philly says:
Wonderful job by the Islanders Scouting Brass!
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Jason says:
How utterly depressing. Our top prospect is a goalie and everyone else would be lucky to be a 4th line player on a competitive NHL team.
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Steve C. says:
Maybe the Isles are not a rebuilding team….besides Tavares, Okposo, Nielsen and Bailey, who really on this team is young? Weight (when he plays), Hunter, Moulson is a little older, Comeau and Bergenheim right now are only ok, and then we have Streit, Witt, Sutton, Park, Sim, Roloson…these guys are old. Maybe the Isles should trade picks and sign free agents, that’s all they are doing anyway, no good prospects + older vets=not a rebuilding team. They either have to get all young with one or two vets or just break the bank a bit more-but that won’t happen either. They aren’t playing bad hockey, but they need an identity. Which road are they following?
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Jason (6)- CB says here that the Isles top prospect is arguably Calvin de Haan. This article is not a list of the orgnaizations top prospects, it is a list of the top prospects who are currently in the AHL. Its not the same thing, as CB also points out in this article.
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Bryan says:
Micheal Haley a better middle weight than Aaron Asham?
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1) This is what makes or breaks a team’s development/shows the true value of a scouting staff.
2) A chimp could have picked a Tavares or an Ovechkin or Crosby, but it takes a scouting staff to also find in a draft a Mike Green(late 1st rounder the same draft as Ovechkin), etc to propel a team from obscurity to contention.
3) Thus far we’re not impressed with what Snoe et al have culled from their drafts other than the ‘no brainer’ picks(Okposo/Tavares) -
4theisles says:
CB an excellent piece by you of our farm situation and therefore our future. Previous post correctly identifies our other choices; trades, ufas, draft piks,- none of which in the present climate are likely. So we sit back, play and root hard and hope that Moulson and a few others surprises us.
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admin says:
This post is not about other NHL teams, the quality of the 2006 draft or the Islanders’ other prospects in junior, college and Europe. It is about THEIR prospects in Bridgeport. The reality is there’s not much there AT THIS TIME. That’s all the story is about. I’ll have rankings on the Islanders’ other prospects next week…CB
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Hopeful Fan says:
Look what I don’t get CB, is how can your views be so far off from the Isle experts. not to bash you but something doesnt make sense.
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Hollywood says:
Nothing but good reality. This is not news if you read what other scouts have said about our youth. Face it, this organization really needs Tambellini and Bergenheim to be productive. All the more reasoning that Schremp needs to play everyday. A productive Tambellini, Begenheim and Schremp will greatly help the rebuild. If not, the rebuild will be another failed attempt to become a legit contender!
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Bob says:
The Islanders can’t afford another bad draft under Snow. His short track record for drafting and trades has been terrible. Snow must go!
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dan says:
Man this gets me sad. I thought Joensuu (and still do) he will make the big club soon and will be good. He is gana take sim’s spot next year.
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The notion that you have to be drafted to be a prospect buries a lotta kids who weren’t the best in the country by 18.
What about Lawson in net? 31 games last year with a 2.16 GAA and .927 SP, 19 wins? Seven this year with a 2.44 GAA .924 SP? I know they’re deep in net, but once they trade Biron in a few months and DiPietro’s hurt again… could he be a guy to surprise some folks?
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Alan says:
Garth Snow & Ryan Jankowski = Abbott & Costello!!! Bottom Line.
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Marty says:
Ryan O’Reilly would have looked good in an Islanders Jersey. So far in 19 games with the Avalanche he has 4 goals, 10 assists and is a plus 14.
Basically you can look at it as his NHL numbers are better than any of our Bridgeport top prospects numbers in the minors.
How nice would it be if the Islanders had the top two rookie scorers on their team?
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mmm22 says:
Not surprising that Bridgeport is having trouble, several guys that are on the Islanders should be playing in the AHL… especially Bailey and Schremp who could provide the playmaking which is what I have heard this team is sorely lacking. Next year some of the college kids and Cizikas should improve the goal scoring. Defense wise Harmonic and DeHaan should help but that’s something that really still needs to be addressed because besides them there isn’t all that much to get excited about in the system. Niemi is making slow progress but the injuries are a worry and he is only the 2nd or 3rd best defenseman on his WHL team (WAY behind Stefan Elliott). Kessel with 10pts in 8 games is also intriguing besides that they are still really thin.
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Mike L says:
Some of these guys we’re really joping will be with teh big club just started playing AHL hockey (Koskinen, Katic, Dibo, Martin). These guys will hopefully develop in a few years along with the guys in the NCAA and juniors. I like how we are giving these guys the chances and not just wasting room with the Jason Krog’s and Darren Haydar’s.
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In my opinion, Haley is s better prospect than Rechlicz. Haley has been playing on the second line and the PK lately. His only problem is staying healthy. Haley is definitely in the top three middleweights in the entire AHL.
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Brian B says:
If the Isles were a good team that wasn’t rebuilding and had signed free agents in the past, their situation in Bridgeport would look a lot better. They would have Bailey down there, Hillen, Thompson, and and possibly Tambellini. These are 4 guys who would do just fine in the AHL and with a good team with veterans, these would be guys that we see as guys who COULD help in the near future if called upon. Don’t you think?
My point is, the Isles are a rebuilding team that is playing all of their youngsters. Therefore instead of being in the AHL, their young guns are in the NHl instead.
Sure this outlook on the AHL is depressing, but considering what they have in the NHL so far w/ Tavares, Okposo, Nielsen, and hopefully Bailey, Bergy and Tamby, its not all that bad…especially considering how they are playing under Gordon.
Also, I’m assuming their prospects that are in college, OHL, or Europe have much higher ceilings. At least I hope so.
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Lenny says:
Not sure how Snow and Jank get the hit on this one. Again, CB is talking about who is currently in Bridgeport. Good young draft picks can take a couple of years to even get to the AHL, not to mention be call up ready for the NHL. CB’s list is a better reflection of drafts before Snow & company, especially considering some of their picks are playing for the Isles now.
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OJK says:
Hey, I think a bit of a chill pill is needed. We have Tavares and Okposo. Look around the NHL, nobody has 2 or 3 awesome lines. In case nobody noticed, the teams that have won the Cup have a STAR OR TWO. If our TOP 2 or 3 prospects pull it off, then that is all we are looking for. The big picture / question could be how to get this team fun and competitive, not to stockpile 4 lines worth of prospects. By the end of 2011, we can be saying Wow, Taveres, Haan, Okposo, these boys just need a system and a supporting cast.
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Crackhead Theo says:
The core of the current Isles is what the rebuild is all about. After theLighthouse gets approved, its time to sign some free agents. Core of the rebuold: Okposo, Tavares, Bailey, Neilsen, and soon to be de Haan. That is a core. Now get some FA’s in here!
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Leviticus says:
#27 and others I agree. Joensuu, Katic, figren, Dino, Martin are all kids developing just as they should… That’s why fans do what we so, writers write, and hockey player development people develop the kids… Not sure why we want so badly to throw the kids under the bus… Maybe not enough to complain about at the NHL level (no one can say we’re not at or above expectations)… Looks like things are developing just as we would hope!
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Strummer's Army says:
It’s a splash of cold water but not a surprise to anyone who tracks Isles prospects.
I am interested to read Botta’s take on prospects in College, junior and Europe where I believe most of the talent currently is and not at Bridgeport.
I believe Martin, Joensuu, Riechlecz, & Mikko are all big parts of the Isles future if developed properly.
Anyone else should be packaged to improve the talent in Bridge and on the Isles roster.
Isles easily could have beaten Washington last night. They seemed so satisfied once they got the third goal, they really let up.
One thing I notice is how often I read/hear about other teams players and prospects really developing their bodies during the summer but not the Isles. Even Ovechenkin plans on putting on another 10 lbs of muscle this summer, think that might help out any of the Isles if they did the same?
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The big hope given the Bridge situation is a good season with a hoped for approval of the LH and the the ace in the hole is that CW uses some or all of the cap space to make us truly competetive. Wake me up I must be dreaming!
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bergie20 says:
while the situation isn’t all that good in b’port right now, i do like our prospects in college, juniors, and europe. give the sarnia trio some time, it’s a big jump from the juniors to the ahl. imo, koskinen is a great prospect. he just needs a lot of playing time when he returns. we desperately needed top end goaltending talent in the system.
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hathead68 says:
Some of these guys need to become good NHLers or any hopes of becoming the next good, young, contending NHL team (Pitt, Wash, Hawks) will still be a long way off.
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mtrico says:
Clearly, there is not going to be any help from Bridgeport in the immediate future. Hopefully, there will be better news when we see CB’s reviews of the Isles’ other prospects. In the meantime, I hope Garth and crew are doing their homework, because this organization needs to string together a series of good drafts.
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Brian G says:
This organization has been rebuilding since 1994 – 15 years…they have not really had any depth….this team needs better quality players at forward & D
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Thanks Chris for updating us on the Islander’s Bridgeport talent. I am looking forward to next weeks rankings, of their other prospects. I’m sure, we will be pleased. Great work as always Chris. MarkN/J
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Anthony says:
I have huge reservations about a 35 year old kid as chief scout, Jankowski – I just don’t see the point of putting the “future of your team” in the hands of someone with NO PAST! I’ve been saying it for years – the loss of Gordie Clark has killed this teams scouting dept. He drafted so many talented players for us. While we’re drafting in front of him, he’s still plucking guys like for the Rangers like Del Zotto, Sanginuiti, Cheraponov (may he R.I.P.), Gratchov after we pick
To walk away from that draft without another bona-fide forward with that second round pick is inexcusable. There was not one, but a few that woulda been great… The big goalie was projected to go 20 picks later – I’m sure we could’ve trade up to get him with the rest of our picks and maybe a future pick if we wanted him that bad… Sad…
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Chris16 says:
CB, are you projections based on where they would fit on the Islanders or where they would fit in on any NHL team?
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tond24 says:
our drafts always stink..every other bad team…st. lou colo l.a…have great prospects, we have calvin de hann….whoop di doo..We should have never traded up or taken 2 goalies we should have taken foward after foward till one hit
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Sneekypete says:
post #2 Moore does not fight and does not do the things that Jackman does. They are 2 totally different type players.
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Vukota says:
What does Jackman do exactly? Besides acting like a punching bag of course..
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BR says:
Yep, some people need to calm down. As CB has reiterated, this is a review of the AHL kids. One could argue (I know I would), that some of the org’s best prospects (not currently on the big club) are playing in the jr & college ranks at the moment. The Tigers are going their own rebuilding, and will likely look quite different next season (so will the Isles).
Also, CB, I think your timetable for Koskinen is off. According to Fornabaio, he’s recovering well from surgery and will start practicing again in about 3 months. -
Mario says:
CB you are dead on. I think Kohn could improve but who knows how long it will take. I’ve been to most of the home games and they are flat out outplayed every night and the talent in Bridgeport is not good. I think in the long run Smith turns into Hunter and Macdonald turns into Streit. Other than that we have no one that can play NHL hockey. Im sorry to say it but its the truth!!!
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Kevin says:
#38. I would take that scenario. My hope is Matt Martin turns out to be a solid 2nd line banger.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Thank you CB for that cold splash of ice water in our faces during this Cinderella 6-6-6 season … LOL!
The best prospect we have at Bridgeport is a potential #1 NHL goalie. Normally that would be a positive … fact is… Don’t we already have a #1* goalie in DP? I see that Koskinen has the prerequisite hip injury already under his belt.
I think it’s time for Snow / Janks to really focus on some good quality forwards and defensemen… Look how long it is taking Joensuu to crack a very weak Islanders line up for God’s sake. That is most discouraging. He’s 22. If we give him another 2 years to develop and he has a great sophmore season in the NHL … he hit’s free agency at what? 26? Who knows what the CBA will entail by then. Or if the Isles are even planning to pull up stakes and head west or north.
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jonsson3 says:
Repeat after me… Free Agents
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Patience, Patience, Patience !!! Much too early to be drawing any conclusions 2/3 years out.
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#42 patience and good prospects arent the same…u need patience for top tier prospects to develop in 2 or 3 years…3rd rung prospects like everyone in our system are 1 in a million to just turn into a campoli or a comrie why should we wait for a 3rd line center..we need to draft better
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Davie says:
Who cares who is in the AHL? Most of the Islanders prospects, like most teams, are in junior or college, and most good prospects these days go that route and skip the AHL or play there for a short time.
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Original Rob says:
This is all very depressing
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RD says:
This is why Garth has to get up off his ass afrer July 1st and sign us another Mark Streit and a decent forward.
What good is a youth movement if you don’t have the youth to plug in your lineup?
Forget Bridgeport! It is AAA of hockey. CB, you should write an article on our college and juniors kids.
Ness, Gregoire, Trivino, Kessel, and Toews all play on great NCAA teams and will be starting their Sophomore seasons. These are guys we should bank on, not Bridgeport.
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Eric says:
I don’t know why anybody is surprised we don’t have prospects banging down the door from the Bridge. Or why people want to throw SnoJanks under the bus already. The 2006 draft was Neil Smiths, so he gets the credit for Okposo and also the blame if the rest of that draft flops. I’ll give SnowJanks a pass on the ’07 draft because we gave up the 1st and 2nd rounder for Smyth and a playoff berth. We didn’t commit to the rebuild until last year. So it’s way too early to render a verdict on SnoJanks because it’s too early to know how the past 2 drafts will turn out. SnoJanks picked up Mark Streit when nobody else thought that much of him as a defenseman. Gave him a contract that raised eyebrows and brought about a little laughter. Then Streit turned out to be arguably the best FA signing last year. They picked up Moulson and gave him a shot. He seems to be panning out pretty well so far.
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Davie- I hate to say this but most prospects play in the AHL after juniors so saying “who cares” is being a little ignorant. Look at BPT’s roster and its full of our prospects that are out of juniors.
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Jeff Kuntz says:
Our last four first rounders: JT, de Haan, Bailey, KO..
The previous four to them: Nokelainen, O’Marra, Bergie and Nilsson.. (not in order)
Things are improving, people.
If the recent early drafting is any indication of how the later round picks will develop, CB will be posting a report in 2 years talking about how many wonderful prospects are in Bridgeport..
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Draftman says:
None of these kids were sure fire talents when they were drafted. There are no first rounders currently in Bridgeport. Most of them are third rounders or later. The goalies taken this year are both very solid picks. The defensive prospects (Hamonic, De Haan, Donovan and Kessel) are also promising. While it is disappointing that there is little production from the players in Bridgeport it is still way too early to form a final opinion about them. So to say that the drafts are a flop is wrong. At this point in time we still do not know.
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ny711ot says:
I agree with j bourne (19). The economics and politics of pro sports shut out so many late bloomers..But I’m not sure if he is suggesting we wait it out with these guys or move on.
I for one believe guys like Mike Iggulden who pay their dues and contribute when called on deserve a real shot over the 22 year olds with the signing bonus, contract and feeling of entitlement…but -Iggulden, was discarded and another silver spoon baby like schremp instead takes his place. Of all the guys CB lists Joensuu and Figren are most disappointing.. So many europeans think that the sacrifice of coming to the states is the last one they will have to make..its rare for these players to adjust after initial adversity bc they always have the homeland to return to(ok jokinen is an exception). That’s why the gms job is to make decisions on guys quickly rather than dragging out the improbable. And that’s why if those two guys don’t make an impact at the bridge this year then they should be let go to make room for more matt moulsons….
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Daniel says:
The future seems very promising huh? Isn’t de Haan in Oshawa? If this team is ever going to be successful which they will eventually, it has to be based on the drafting in the last year or two. And even the picks from the last 2 drafts have been very questionable to say the least besides Tavares of course.
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Question for cb. Is mikko suppose to be the goalie if rick can’t make it?isn’t that the reason they drafted him since they are never sure with ricky . Mikko has already had one problem with his hip. If these problems continue for both of them what next
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neologizer says:
It might be a bit disappointing but from the current Isles point of view would it make sense to have anyone in Bridgeport that could step right into the NHL?
As CB said before they have a bunch of AHLers playing with the big club right now.
The Isles coulda repeated history spent $18 mil on three bigtime overpriced overthehill forwards – sent Bailey, Shremp and Comeau etc to BP and slipped into the playoffs as a low seed and blow the future again. Is that what you want to see?
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I really don’t get this…. Judging a prospect pool based on the evaluation of a writer? With all due respect to CB, let’s be real. Look at history folks, it takes a good 5 years to see MOST 2-5 rd picks pan out (yes there are the occassional excetions). So before we all jump off a bridge recognize it is possible that joensuu and others are better than CB thinks. He’s being given a second year in the A so? And numbers alone don’t tell the whole story when you’re in the minors, we all know that, don’t we?
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thepolishprince says:
Jeez Chris. No more pom pom waving on this site I guess. Bleek bleek bleek. I’m crossing my fingers that Koskinen turns into a true monster in net down the road. DP will never play half of his contract out. Please let Matt Martin turn into a quality 3rd liner in 3 or 4 years. Give me a reason beyond JT and KO that I should continue to watch this team?
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UIF says:
I think some of those guys will turn it around. Joensuu showed me something in the few games last year with the Isles to see there’s some nice upside. Smith seemed like a “do what it takes” winger with decent enough hands. Haley and Martin…and Smith for that matter…seem like the kind of 3rd and 4th liners that can change momentum in a game one way or another at the right times. And I like MacDonald, too.
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raul17 says:
ny711ot, I also have a soft spot for those players. However, both Mike Iggulden & Kurtis MacLean decided to go to Europe (Russia & Finland respectively). I’m not sure what the Isles offered, but I guess getting 2-way NHL contract wasn’t as good as the monies in Europe. As far as Schremp is concern, he wasn’t even in the picture so he didn’t replace Iggulden. The Edmonton waived him near the end of training camp.
I know this is about the prospects at Bridgeport, but how does the “stop-gap” players stack up?
G) Munroe (and Lawson)
D) Flood & Westgarth
F) Moore, Mauldin & RomanoThese were basicly signed as cover for the first team and helping the play-off push oat Bridgeport.
I didn’t see Anton Klementyev mentioned. For his first year in NA, he doesn’t look out of place.
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Eastonhockey says:
Some fans miss the pom pom waiving lol
In my opinion the isles don’t have a youth movement any more then any other team. Take the rangers. As good or better youth then what the isles have. If they were a last place team they’d be shouting “youthmovement”.
In any case a effective youth movement means replacing vets with cheaper younger players who have high potential. Isles replaced vets with low end 4th liners..not future 1st liners. So to me this is not a youth movement. It’s just a wonderful term to keep fans happy as the isles march on fowards 30 years without winning a playoff round. -
NYICHAMP39 says:
Outside of “no-brainers” like the selection of Tavares, I really don’t see any stand out selections made by the tandem of SNOW/JANKOWSKI and their current scouting staff. Lets all remember that Okposo was drafted by Neil Smith in his lavish 40 days as GM or so. The point is that when you have a top notch scouting staff you draft top notch talent (and find some sleepers along the way). When you have what the Islanders currently have (a goalie and a CEO of a computer software company) you are going to run into trouble identifying real hockey talent. Im sorry, but when one of the teams’ judges of NHL talent is Eric Cairns, who didnt have an ounce of talent outside of fighting, you know that you are going to draft as the islanders have. Terribly.
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hockeynut says:
I agree with C.B. isles prospects are pretty bad due to horrible drafting which comes from poor scouting and it starts at the top from Wang on down also terrible free agent signings for both Brideport and the Isles could go on forever with all of the BS that this ORG does
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beatlebailey says:
very simple…we are an expansion franchise again..starting from the ground up….i would rather draft in top 5 than 12-14
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Problem is if u keep drafting last okiposo streight and Tavares leave as free agents if they have any wiining drive in them. N if they accept sad sack franchise as their destiny what’s that say about them anyway?
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Rachel G says:
How many on this blog, including CB, have watched the Sound Tigers play day in and day out to make a fair judgement? If you have, I will respect your opinion. CB, in all due respect, how many Sound Tiger games have you seen in person this year to help you formulate this report?
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Jake says:
LETS GO ISLANDERS… who knows what is going to happen with prospects. i sure as hell didn’t think we would be a .500 team after 18 games.
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Honnold says:
I can’t say I follow this stuff incredibly closely, but over time Ryan Janko has left me with the impression that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He seems a little too slick, also.
Meanwhile, Kenny Morrow seems to have done a fantastic job on the pro side spotting potential that others have overlooked.
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And, I’m curious how they let someone like Blake Wheeler slip through their fingers as a free agent. The guy was K.O.’s teammate at U of MN.
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Islander86 says:
SNOW MUST GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thx raul 17 but just for the record I know how schremp got here and how these guys left…my point is that a high draft pick will get 7-8-9 chances to stick before an undrafted or late round pick even gets one.
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seve says:
team is playing better then expected, so lets complain. three of last four first round picks at nhl level, two playing very well. so lets complain. free agent signing of 2009, moulson, on pace for 20+ goals. so lets complain. 2008 signing, streit was best free agent signing of year. so lets complain. two drafted first round players traded for ryan smyth, doing nothing at nhl level. so lets complain. vet winger, who wan’t returing, traded for third round pick last season. so lets complain.
yep, not a good move in the bunch. they haven’t made a bad move. no bad ones, just not enough moves. BIG DIFFERENCE. -
Maybe if Wang allocated some more funds to the scouting department instead of cutting back, the team would draft better.
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Can we swap Sim for Smith? I’d rather see him up with the big club. He is the closest to being ready to make the jump.
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VanVoorhees says:
Yo, Chris, please update us on Kirill Petrov next week when you’re writing about other prospects.
Now let’s build a new arena! I wanna see a Rush Concert there!
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SEF says:
CB
Great coverage of the “assets” in Bridgeport. When considering the state of the NY Islander franchise it is clear that the team is still paying for the mistakes of the past. In fact, this still may be a significant concern given the way the team has shed front-office assets in the past 2 years. For those who are not aware, the time it took for the Islanders to reach rock bottom is measured in years, and the time to recover can be equally as long.
Snow and Janokowski should be judged on their last 2 drafts and the development of the Islanders from year-to-year. The thought of trashing their plan after 2 years makes no sense. Especially with the team showing improvement and competing every night. Further, aside of Taveras and Baily not one of their drafts choices is playing with the big club.
With all due respect to the readers of this blog, Snow should be accountable for his free agent signings and draft strategy. The draft day trades in 2008 to acquire Josh Baily are certainly a worthy debate. Garth Snow probably understands that these were high risk decisions that could back fire.
The reality of where the Islanders are as a team is a product of many poor decisions. Additionally, it can’t be overlooked that Charles Wang’s desire to develop the Lighthouse Project may have redirected his attention and resources away from the on ice product.
Given this possibility and the above issues it is rather clear why team fell into such disrepair. From my seat now seem to be playing a better brand of hockey. For those who go back as far as I do, this team reminds me of the 1974-75 group that outworked their opponents on a nightly basis.
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
who cares if we dont have team of guys ready for NHL in bridgeport. We already have guys riding the bench at NHL.
Its better that way. Give a few more years for them to develop. someone will emerge.
In meantime, if Tavares, Schremp, Hillen, were playing in AHL right now, how do you think sound tigers woudl be doing.
Isles have so many guys under 25 yrs old that i could care less who was playign in bridgeport.
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JKIII says:
Thanks for being brutally honest CB.
I think everyone agrees this team (and our farm system) is still a marquee player and a few prospects (who are considered “locks” @ making the NHL) away from being a true contender 3 – 4 years from now.
My question, does anyone know how many picks we CURRENTLY have for the 2010 Draft?
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Carmine says:
I’m looking forward to seeing Martin, Smith, and Joensuu on the Isles someday. I have to say that if our top prospect in the AHL is a goalie who has already had to have hip surgery and has a fisherman logo on his mask is really scary. I hope to God our college and euro prospects are a lot more promising.
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Tom says:
No worries folks, Garth has a plan.
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Jeff says:
The Tigers are having big troubles trying to put together any kind of offense this year. They are next to last in scoring, the goaltending has been fair. Lawson likes to venture far from the net at times and gets caught out of position. If they fall behind by 3 or more goals, the game is pretty much over. They have trouble scoring 3 goals in a week much less a game. Another problem happening with them this year, is when the time comes that they get a goal, they pretty much give it right by allowing a goal with the 30 seconds of play. I, for one, was disappointed that they let McLean, Igguldin and Coliton go over seas. The top line started off as Moore, Mauldin and Smith which actually was getting something done. But they decided to seitch the lines and the scoring drought ensued.
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Jim says:
Lets see, Mike Milbury runs this team into the ground and lasts for years. Neil Smith drafts arguably our best player in his only draft and lasts about 40 days. Now Garth Snow loads the organization with mediocre players with his “bold” moves (excpt for the no-brainer Tavares)and seems to have strong job security. What’s wrong with this picture? Maybe Wang selling this team won’t be such a bad thing.
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Swan says:
Great read, as always C.B. Spot on with your assessments, imo.
It is early for Joensuu and Figren, but they are busts so far. I am not even considering them for the NHL. I’m just hoping they become serviceable players for Bridgeport, which they are not yet (I know, I know. Power forwards and Dmen take time).
For fans that have been around long enough, they know it is rare for a non-A player to match stats generated in the AHL. If Figren/Joensuu/Comeau can’t score in the minors, they are not suddenly going to grow a pair of different hands when given a chance in the NHL.
Pointblank has been completely consistence (and honest) from day one. Any perceived differences are on the reader, not CB.
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Rich says:
I do not think the prospects are as bleak as you paint them. After all any youngster with 1st/2nd line potential is already up with the club. This years NHL roster is competetive and even fun to watch – more like a #9 or #10 team instead of #16 that was expected. Budget wise we are at the minimum salary. Not to bad for the cost. Get a new arena deal signed and add 10 mil in 2 FA’s + more seasoning for the youngsters and wow we are looking at #4-#5. If i were Wang I would not pump money in w/o a new arena deal.
Assuming the budget is the same the alternative would be to sign a bunch of cheap retreads and overachieve to squeze into the #8 slot and struggle to win 1 playoff game and out 4-1. Leaving youngsters in Bridgeport. A soundtiger team with Neilsen, Bailey, Hillen, Tambelini, Comeua would look pretty good to all of us.
Given the budget constraint of spending the minimum the Isles and Soundtigers are not nearly as bad as many posts suggest. -
Al L says:
Great observation#56! As we both know,back in the ’70′s and ’80′s the perception was that once reaching the age of 23,if a youngster was still floundering,he was considered a journeyman. This was usually attributed to the No American,where a highly finesed skilled European was given a longer leash overly stressing the cultural acclimation factor. Times have changed,as indicated by the late bloomer Matt(Love that first name) Moulson,but he is still more the exception rather than the rule. The disappointment of kids such as Schremp(Who’s skill quite frankly impresses me and would more if he would display the courage of going to the net like Tambellini has begun to do)is too much to bear for GM’S,hence they stretch any benefit of remaining doubt further than it should go. Go Hershey Bears!!!!!
Kind of a bleak outlook for a ‘rebuilding’ team. But it is what it is and hopefully someone pans out to more than we project. It is frustrating to see guys like Kevin Poulin, Stefan Ridderwal, and even the Swede goalie we drafted this year to be Isles property and hardly project to be anything on the goalie depth charts.