POINT BLANK DRAFT SURVEY: BRETT CONNOLLY
Willing to answer all the questions about his hip
Chris Botta on Twitter
Soon after playing for Team Canada at the Under 18 World Championships in Belarus, top-ten draft prospect Brett Connolly of the Prince George Cougars of the WHL spoke with Point Blank about, well, a whole bunch of stuff – but especially his health.
How did it go for you at the Under 18s in Belarus?
I played pretty well, okay. More importantly, it was a good test for me. I didn’t get the bounces and I still have a ways to go to get all of my timing back, but I feel like I proved I belonged there and I proved my health.
How did your hip injury hold up?
No issues at all. It felt great at the tournament and I’ve had no problems with it since. In my opinion, I’m confident the injury is not coming back.
Did you come back too early last season from the injury? Would you do anything differently?
I don’t second-guess myself or anyone else. Looking back, I think the injury happened in August maybe because I played so much hockey the year before and never gave myself a break from skating or working out. It was a learning experience. I consider the hip injury a freak accident and I’m not concerned about it anymore – even though I understand I’ll be answering a lot of questions about it over the next few months. That’s okay.
Describe yourself as a player.
I consider myself a physical, two-way forward. The scouts say I’m a skilled goal scorer, but I take a lot of pride in my defense and my hitting, too.
Do you have a favorite player or an NHLer you model yourself after?
Growing up as a Ducks fan, I really liked Paul Kariya’s game. Now that I’m developing as a player, our styles are obviously pretty different. Now I look towards a player like Rick Nash in Columbus. He is a highly-skilled goal scorer who uses his size to his advantage. I can definitely learn from watching an all-star like Nash.
Did you speak with anyone from the Islanders during the course of this last season?
I spoke to a scout for the Islanders once on the phone who, I think, was just checking in with me. I’m really looking forward to meeting with their staff at the Combine at the end of the month.
For those of us on the outside, how does the process work if a team wants to get in contact with you?
I’m easy to get in touch with. They call my agent and he puts them in touch with me. I’ll speak with, or meet with, any team that has any questions. I don’t want there to be any mystery. The ones I don’t hear from, I’ll probably see at the Combine.
Have you been invited to Long Island to meet with the Islanders?
Not yet, but it’s still very early. We’re still more than six weeks from the draft. From what I’ve heard, a lot of those in-person visits are arranged around the time of the Combine. If the Islanders want to have me in, I’d be honored.
What do you know about the organization?
The Islanders have an incredible tradition and it looks like they’re serious about building a contending team around their drafted players. John Tavares is a special player, and they have many other really good ones like Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo. They seem to have a lot more in the pipeline as well.
What would you think of being drafted by them?
To be honest with you, I’ll be excited to be drafted by any team that wants me. But yeah, the Islanders, with all that young talent coming together, that would be awesome.
Are you starting to hear from the teams with picks in the top half of the first round?
Starting to. Most want to know how I felt after the Under 18s. Like I said, I’m here and very willing to answer any questions team have. It’s part of the drill.
If you don’t mind, let’s do a little rapid-fire on some of the top prospects from the Western Hockey League.
Sure. As you know, I watched them a lot this year (laughs).
Mark Pysyk, Edmonton defenseman.
I played Under 17s and 18s with Mark. A very good all-around defenseman. His defense is so strong. Not a fun guy to play against.
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat right wing.
Lightning-quick. Explosive. He’s going to go in the top ten, and deserves to. A lot of talent.
Ryan Johansen, Portland center.
That’s a kid I know well. We grew up playing spring hockey together and played Under 16s and 17s together. Without a doubt, the most improved player in our league and probably in all of junior hockey. He was always good – don’t get me wrong. But the strides Ryan has made in the last three years have been just incredible. If he keeps at that pace, watch out.
What about his teammate, Nino Niederreiter?
He’s another player who’s going to go high. Such an exciting player to watch. He’s big. He can skate. He’s highly-skilled and plays with a lot of energy and emotion. He’s going to be a good NHL player.
I know Erik Gudbranson is an Ontario League player, but I was wondering about your experience with him on Team Canada at the U18s.
Eric and I hung out a bit in Belarus at the tournament and became friends. He is a great defenseman. He’s big, really strong and an excellent skater. I have no doubt Eric’s going be drafted real early in the first round. All the guys we talked about will go in the top 15 and deserve to.
Many scouts believe you are capable of playing in the NHL next season. What do you think?
That’s my goal. I’m working the entire offseason to give myself the best chance to play well in training camp and make the big club. This has been a dream of mine since I could walk, so I’m going to give it everything I have. I also understand that I missed a lot of games last season. If the team that drafts me decides another year in junior is best for me long-term, I would be disappointed but I would respect their decision. Until then, I’m setting the bar high for myself.
Who’s going to be in Los Angeles with you for the draft?
Most of the arrangements have already been made. My mom and dad will be there, my younger brother, a few aunts and uncles. It’s a big day for me and they also get to see LA, so they can’t lose.
So you don’t have any long-term concerns about the hip injury?
None. I’m in the best shape of my life. Those problems are behind me.
If I was a GM considering taking you with a top ten pick, I would not just look at what the NHL’s independent medical team had to say about you. I would have my team doctors give you a thorough evaluation. If teams request that of you, Brett, will you comply?
Absolutely. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the point across that I’m healthy. I know there are concerns. I don’t take them lightly, especially if a team is going to use an early draft pick on me. I will be available for any NHL team that wants to give me a full check-up. I will visit any team, wherever they want me to be. I’m sure I have a few doctor visits in my future. I’m all for it.
Your comments are invited on Brett Connolly and the top of the 2010 NHL draft. Comment Guidelines.
90 Responses to POINT BLANK DRAFT SURVEY: BRETT CONNOLLY
Willing to answer all the questions about his hip
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Ugly Roe From Massapequa says:
This kid is as good as a reason as there is NOT to trade down with the 5th pick.
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Frank nyc says:
I would love a “Rick Nash” type on our team. i have been hoping that this is the kid the isles go with. It would be a definite plus to have him on the team this season.
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Kascycki's Krew says:
Nice work CB. What did you think about him? Seems like a well spoken, thoughtful and insightful person. Be interesting to see if he is on the board when the Isles pick. While I am leaning towards Fowler or Gudbrandson from a “need” standpoint – we have a lot of needs. If both guys are gone and the Isles feel he is healthy – then he would be an outstanding pick….glad I am not in charge of the draft ! Lots of good options at 5. I sure hope we can trade up to take another player in the early to mid range (realistically – 8-15 th) of the First round to compliment our 5th selection. I would take on salary or give up a role player or two to make this happen (in theory) let the armchair GM’s figure out the true cost !
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Bossy4president says:
SOLD…..wrap him up.
Take Connelly at 5 and work some draft day magic to move up and take El Nino. A+ draft…….get some D help in July and we’re on our way. -
Scott VanVoorhees says:
sounds like a man who had everything – lost it – and is trying to get it back at any cost. Could be a good thing. He seems humbled by the experience and willing to do anything asked of him. I’m cautiously optimistic, he’s young and youngins heal better than old guys like me. (my hip hurts) – but the Isles can ill afford a first round pick that is not healthy. If he’s the best available, it’s still a risk – but the reward sounds good.
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beatlebailey says:
please Garth do NOT trade down!!…i would take this guy in a heartbeat!
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gordylane says:
Seems like a very nice kid. He will probably be there for the taking when it is our pick. If he isn’t most likely one of the d-men will be there that we like for our choice. Whoever we pick I think we will be getting an important piece to the puzzle.
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Angry Bill says:
Seems like a class act and kid with a really good head on his shoulders. Already interviews like a pro. Great job CB!
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Pete says:
Honestly, I’m torn.
If Fowler or Gudbranson is there at #5, take him, CASE CLOSED.
Connolly took a huge drop in this month’s ISS rankings (#13…although Gormley of all people is #3!). That said, I do believe he’s the type of “first-line potential” that Snow NEEDS to start growing in this organization.
Gormley and to a lesser extent, Nino might be “league-average” type NHL’ers, whereas Connolly *could* be more than that.
Connolly has my endorsement on potential alone. The “safe pick” mentality burned our franchise during the Bergenheim/Nokelainen/O’Marra stretch. No need to repeat that.
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islesfan999 says:
I will be happy with either Connoly, Grudbason or Fowler..
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cjzimm says:
Wow. This kid talks like a very humble mature prospect should. Very impressed. Would be a great addition to any locker room. Great questions CB.
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battfist says:
CB coming through again for us Isles fans.
Tough decisons lie ahead for Isles brass.
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thepolishprince says:
That interview definately has him sounding like the kind of player the Isles seem to favor – skilled, mature, hard working. Let’s take the “my hip’s great” comments with a grain of salt though. What would you expect him to say “I can see my hip being an issue down the road”?
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Czerkawski21 says:
kid’s got class, if he’s available at 5, make him an Islander.
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If we can get a big tough forward similar to Rick Nash that would be awesome. Then sign some UFA dmen and draft a few more big forwards and dmen and were set!
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The new isles gm says:
I love how everyone is sold on this kid…we were all sold on Filatov b4 Garth started trading down, look how that turned out. Don’t get me wrong…he seems very polished and a real class act but I’m sure Garth will pick the best player available. I’m sold on picks 1-10 so honestly, all those teams should make out well. What if Garth turns this pick around to EDM for Ales Hemsky…reports say Edm is trying to land another top 10 pick…are you sold then?
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Steve from Middletown, CT says:
I don’t care what he says. He is trying to get drafted and of course will say all the right things. I’ve HAD ENOUGH WITH THE PERENIAL HIP ISSUES!!
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Mike L says:
He sounds like an Okposo type player. I will be happy if Snow drafted him. It will be interesting to see what he can do at the combine. There are a bunch of prospects I would be happy to see wearing an Isles uniform on June 25th.
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PFR says:
Do SCOUTS project him to be the next Rick Nash? It seems to me this is a high risk pick, but I’m not convinced (yet) that the reward is greater. At this point, I’m still hoping one of the defensemen fall.
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(Sim)ple says:
Let’s not equate every hip injury to Ricky’s and claim without seeing any medical information (and the fact that most of us are not doctors) that this is ‘chronic’ or ‘perenial’.
Isles have plenty of players/prospects without injury histories that get hurt. Comeau, MacDonald, de Haan, Hamonic, Koskinen, etc. We are the New York Islanders, truth is whoever we draft will get hurt at some point. Why not take the one with the most upside?
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bobice says:
i wonder how he would be talked about if he never got injured? oh well if hes there at 5 take him over gormley but i still think florida could take him
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JoeRiverside says:
It cracks me up reading folks saying they’re “sold” after reading this. Don’t get me wrong, good job CB getting the interview, but really folks, what did you expect this kid to say. He’s reading the script. Let’s hear from someone who will be drafted in the 3rd round, you’ll hear pretty much the same thing…it will be an honor, blah blah, blah. Pick Connolly if he is the “best” available at #5.
JoeRiverside -
Mike in Bohemia says:
He says all the right things and seems like a good kid, but that doesnt really mean much in one short interview. Let the scouts & doctors do their homework and see what progresses over the next 8 or 9 weeks.
The consensus is that Gudbranson, Fowler & Connolly (in any order) will be 3, 4 & 5, but it wouldn’t shock me if that changes over the next few weeks.
The Isles can sit back and see how things play out knowing they’re going to get a solid prospect. -
Staten Islander says:
This draft is too important to take a guy with a hip injury. If he had not had that issue, I’d be on the “Draft Connoly” band wagon in a nano-second. I think they should look at other players
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Hockey Guy in Canada says:
CB, I know this isn’t Q & A but I’m sure you’d agree that most hockey players, Connolly included, are well spoken gentlemen off the ice and are willing to do charity work in the community, etc. Its part of the culture. Perhaps you could shed some insight into what teams like the Islanders hope to learn at the combine and events leading up to making a draft decision that isn’t directly skill related. When you sit the kids down, don’t they all seem to have pretty good attitudes towards their work? What seperates them in the end for Snow and Jankowski?
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Vas says:
I personally think the islanders are sitting pretty! They are going to be “Stuck” with the 3rd best player in the draft or the one of the top 2 defenseman in the draft! I personally think they have a greater need up top because they have nothing in the pipeline. They do have 2 or 3 solid D-prospects in the pipeline! Just my take!
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Smitty says:
Peter (11): I agree with your last sentence, wholeheartedly. If the Isles medical team thinks there is no issue then draft him.
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Metalcoconut says:
I wonder…(since I have not watched much junior hockey in a couple of years) if this kid’s hip proves to be a nonfactor, could this kid be the steal of the draft? Of course that is a lot of speculation but this could be a blessing for the Isles if that is indeed the case. Since large d need a little more time to develop than forwards (due to their physical maturity) perhaps this is just the thing that the Isles need in this draft provided Gudbranson is gone.
HEY GARTH…advanced scouting provided by Chris Botta. You might want to confer with him on this one.
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#18 do you really think Ales Hemsky get you the 5th pick! The guy played 22 games last year and the most games he has ever played was 74. Sorry Cuzzo but he is soft and he doesn’t cut it.
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4theisles says:
CB – You asked all the right questions and he made all the right answers. I’m not an MD, but of course there is a term for his injury and there is also a general prognosis [outlook] for his recovery and future reinjury potential. The Isle’s ortho specialist’s opinion in this case will be as important as the team’s scouts and staff’s opinion of his hockey skills.
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Tucson Isles Fan says:
ESPN put up a mock draft yesterday that had Connolly going 15 to Montreal. They had us taking Gormley, as did 2 of 3 mocks on NHL.Com. The 3rd had us taking Connolly
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Spartiarti RVC says:
would take this kid definately if available. With no hip injury most scouts would put him at #3 easy. Whose to say he couldnt be top 2.
Only thing keeping me away from Gormley is his size. Isles need some big size with skill. Joensuu is still pretty far from NHL in my opinion.
If this kids Hip injury was a one off. This kid going to be huge stud.
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#31, I also have been seeing alot of mock drafts with Gormley going to the Isles.
I just think he’s way too “safe” a pick. He doesn’t have the offensive prowess of Fowler, or the edge of Gudbranson.
I’m not sure what Gormley brings to the table besides “solid stay-at-home”, which is a nice thing to have in the NHL, but certainly not something you draft at 5th Overall!
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doublew says:
This draft has a ton of talent. No matter who is available at 5, there will be solid return. Snow will have his choice of some first line talent (Tarasenko, Kabanov, Connolly) or a top pair defenceman (Fowler, Gudbranson, Gormley).
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Al S. says:
“With the fifth pick in the 2010 draft the New York Islanders select Brett Connolly” : ) The kid seems to get it and we sure could use another top 6 or potential top 3 forward. With Dehaan and Hamonic coming down the pike I wouldn’t mind seeing the Isles draft another top flight forward and sign a couple of good dmen via free agency etc…seems like a win/win either way even if Connolly is not available at 5, assuming the Isles like the kid that is…plus Petrov on the way hmm…Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, Petrov, Connolly, Comeau??? not too shabby.
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Gary says:
doesnt sound like hes holding back on anything medical
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Handlanger says:
Is it just me, or are you a big Connolly Fan Mr. Botta?!
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Eric says:
No trading the Pick! Maybe in 2008 it worked out well for the Islanders in getting Bailey, Ness, and Hamonic. We shall see in a few years. However, lets not try and get cute twice in three years. Take the player you think is the best available in the draft. Looks like that might be Brandon Gormley. You keep hearing about this kid. I dont go by what the islanders have in their system. I take the best player available period. Connolly might be the most nhl ready but if the scouts think Gormley has more upside I take him. It just seems like hes been ranked top 5 or 6 all year. I wouldnt mind taking him.
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Ron says:
This feels like a win-win for the Islanders. There’s part of me that hopes Connolly goes earlier and we get either Fowler/Gudbranson, but if Connolly is there at 5 it’s absolutely worth grabbing him. The kid has a great attitude.
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TuxTax says:
Thanks CB! Your Q&A’s are always terrific! Personally, I am going to leave the GM duties up to Garth this year. There are too many variables to even have a clue what is going to happen at pick#5. But thanks as always for the info on the potential draftees.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Now that’s what I’m talking about … This is the kinda stuff I like to read about in the Spring. Only if the Isles aren’t in the playoffs of course.
CB – The Isles should contract you out to do interviews at the Combine … Great stuff!!
Although I have no loyalties to any player going into this draft … I really do like Brett Connolly’s disposition … a great skilled / physical player that has a great attitude.
That being said … I want the Isles to take the absolute best player available to them… No trading down to pick up a 3rd round pick … The only thing I’d remotely consider is perhaps swaping picks with Carolina or Tampa if they think Garth is going to take who they want … Let Garth play poker with them … Then maybe Garth demands their 2nd round pick for the swap… since that isn’t going to happen … just stick with #5
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Isles 420 says:
im all for connolly this draft. i like his attitude
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Tony F. says:
Nice article, thanks. There seems to be many great prospects to choose from, hopefully Garth and Co. will keep it simple. The Nino guy sounds intriguing, will he play in the world championship and if so will that be before the draft in June? We sure could use a big defenseman to knock people away from the front of the net but these forwards sound great as well. God I hope we make the correct decision.
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Madchef says:
Of Course Connolly is going to say he is good to go. I think some of you guys try to compare hockey players to NFL and NBA players. Usually Hockey players are classier in general. I hope he is the real deal, I would perfer a winger who can help out right away then wait for another prospect to develop. Also to the posts saying we shouldn’t worry about the hip because of DP are you kidding me! The DP situation has been traumatic to all die hard Isles fans and I for one will raise a red flag every time automatic. Who wants to deal with that kind of mess again.
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JSExpress says:
Hopefully Garth takes the BPA with the #5 pick, and from the sound of it, a healthy Connolly would be a great addition. I’d like to see us snag Brett in the first, then grab Kabanov with our high second if he’s still on the board. Sure, two picks with some inherent risk, but two picks that have the potential to be absolute studs in the right situation.
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Guys like Hal Gill, Andy Sutton and Mike Komiserek show that you can always get a guy like that through free agency or trading, alot easier then a goal scorer. That being said…no matter who is available… I think it’s safe to say Garth will most likely choose a forward. We have nothing standing out in Bridgeport as a key ingredient goal scorer- plus we have guys like Jackman, Sim, Park, Tamby n Weight most likely not getting an offer. Even if we sign …let’s say Frolov and Afenogenov..we still have spots open…
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Johnnyjet says:
I am a western Canadian isle fan and have seen a few
of these prospects live. I saw Connolly back in September and had an assist and was a second star and was very noticeable. I also saw nideritter and Johansen play and they were lights out that night especially Niederitter. I took a look at our recent drafts and now have faith in snowjanks. We will end up with a terrific prospect and we all should not go crazy if we take a player that we have not throughly discussed. My prediction is that we will be in for a bit of a surprise. -
Ethan K says:
He said all the right things in this interview. I’m still a little nervous about the hip, but if all the doctors and the kid himself say that there won’t be any problems. I’ll take his word. He’s got top 3 draft pick talent. The only reason he would “drop” to 5th overall is because of the unfortunate injuries or if the 3 and 4 teams really need defensemen. I’ll be more than happy with any of these top 5. I’m glad that all of them have very good personalities, give good interviews, and seem to appreciate what they have.
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Isles Revamped says:
Yes he sounds like an itelligent person and of course he intimating the right things but the fact remains that he has had a serious injury prior to the pro’s. The Isles can ill afford a mistake in this draft and need to continue drafting strong. If I were picking I would have to pass. The team cannot take on another injury issue. We have perenially injured DP, Martinek, a few of top draft choices coming off surgeries. The team needs to draft a whole player. Nothing against Connelly if the team was in a different stage then maybe its worth the gamble not now.
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Pnut says:
I wouldnt be surprised if he was gone by #5.
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EAF says:
as I said before – we need to draft the player who can step right in, whoever is NHL ready. We are really running out of time with the prospect’s development.
It doesn’t make sense to draft a guy who is 2-3 years away – we are in a different situation than the other teams who can afford to wait -
Jay22 says:
This is going to be an exciting draft for us. Connolly getting back in the mix guarantees us either him, Gunbranson, or Fowler. It’s looking like we can’t loose this year!
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Sandy says:
@ No. 45: Nino Niederreiter played yesterday against Norway in a pre WC game. The guy not only showed terrific skills (dangling from his own zone to the net and blasting a good shot) but also some physicality against all these men. And he was a +3 at the end of the day… I’m pretty sure he’ll play the WC…
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Hoguefanclub says:
Gudbranson or Connelly, period.
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27Tonelli says:
Take “El Nino” with the #5 pick, an 18 year old with hip issues, who has only played a handful of games is the not the way to go! Please Garth avoid Connolly, take “El Nino” and take Teemu Pulkinnen in the 2nd round ( 6′ 0″ 180 lbs ) the best prospect out of Finland since Selanne ! Waaayyyyyy better skills and faster than Granlund !
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mattyboy says:
That was a very well done interview Chris. You had the right questions and the kid had the right answers.
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Ari From Long Island says:
I will seriously be angry if we wind up with Gormley….guys like him can be had much later in the draft!
Connolly FTW!
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Nobody says:
Looks wide open… Could be any of 5 or 6 guys… Trade up/down seems quite possible too. Will be an exciting draft party!!!
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Boss15 says:
Good attitude, in Garth we trust.
Agree with Tonelli on Pulknnen, high risk but really high reward. He definitely isnt 6′ 180lb though, maybe 5’10″ 170 but definitely the best offensive Finnish prospect since the other Teemu. If they go D with the first pick then he is probably the best chance at getting a top notch scorer in the second round. If they go with Connolly or Nino then they have to go D in the second so probably no Pulk. -
isles72 says:
we’ll end up loving whoever the isles select because once their name is called they become family to us hardcore fans.
once all is said and done we’ll be comparing the 5th pick to who they didnt pick much like we’ll compare Tavares/Duchene , Bailey/Filatov and so on for years to come .
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Shremp Co 13 says:
starting to sound like this year’s draft is much deeper than last years?
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Blizzard says: …Im really liking the position the Islanders are in in this draft. We have a shot at Fowler,Gudbranson, or Connelly. All who can really fill needs for this team. If Connelly passes all the medical exams and has a clean bill of health Im thinking nab him at five. He could be the best offesive player in the draft in the end. Very possible.
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BC says:
My thoughts against Gormley have nothing to do with him as a player, simply that he seems to be almost the exact same prospect as Calvin De Hann. Both are puck moving defensemen, not overly offensively skilled but not shut down d-men either. For that reason, I say take who is ever left between Gudbranson, Fowler, and Connolly if his medical checks out. I would be excited to have a forward core in the coming years of:
Connolly-Tavares-Okposo
Moulson-Bailey-Petrov
Comeau-Neilsen-Hunter
Martin-Schremp-Joensuu -
kevin fitz says:
It’s amazing. Every draft is as deep as where our pick falls every year… hmmmmmm… This draft is TWO deep. Then a second tier of about 3 to 4 players, then a third tier. We are going to get a second tier player this year, which is good, but this draft is not “five deep”.
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Kaspar says:
I wouldn’t be afraid to take Connelly if the Isles medical staff says he’s 100% healthy. I have a feeling he won’t be their at 5 though. He was considered at worst top 3 going into the season. If he’s healthy I tend to think Florida would take the chance. I’m not a big NINO fan. I’d rather have Emerson Etem if the Isles were to get another 1st round pick.
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CT Isles Fan says:
Sounds like a cool kid. I don’t know what to think of this draft. No one really stands out to me at No. 5. I would be happy if they go for Brett or one of the 2 D men. It’s Garth’s decision. I’m pretty sure he can’t mess this up.
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#18 and #31 – I’d make that deal for Hemsky. I would want something I would want someone else though in the deal. Probably a D man as well.
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Stevie10703 says:
If everything falls into place and goes as planned, at #5, we’re going to have what’s left of Fowler, Gudbrandson, or Connolly. If someone else sneaks in there then we’ll probably have to pick between any two of them.
I like the approach Jimmy Devalano (sp) of the Red Wings has (and he learned from the best, the architect himself, Bill Torrey) and that is simply take the best player available and if its a tie between a forward and a d-man take the d-man.
Now, Gudbrandson and Connolly are two types of players that we need badly, one being a big physical d-man and the other being a first line forward to open things up for JT. Just my opinion, right now, I think the first line forward is more of a priority and if Connolly becomes anything like Rick Nash, we’ve got ourselves a legit first line with JT and Connolly on his wing and then we can have guys fight it out for the last spot on that line.
Should be interesting to see what goes down on draft day but, I hope that we don’t trade down. If there’s a way to trade up without giving up to much, then do it. But, by trading up, I mean going up to 3 or 4 because Edmonton and Boston aren’t giving up their picks unless they get the farm and I don’t think we have the chips to make a deal like that.
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Boss15 From what I read Pulkinnen is a hair under 6′ and 178 lbs ! Remember he just turned 18 in January so he is probably still growing and filling out physically. Look at Hamonic grew 3 inches and deHaan has grown 2 inches since being drafted !
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Great thing about this draft for Isles fans is whatever we do there’s lots of room to second guess…
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#70 I can see where you going and I guess I can’t disagree with that. Not a big Hemsky guy though! I would trade the pick for a Bobby Ryan though. 3 or 4 years younger and he is rougher around the edges! I do know it is a pipe dream though.
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UIF says:
I couldn’t help but think of DP’s identical quotes this year when Connolly said, “I’m in the best shape of my life” in response to the injury.
I expect the player to say that. Let’s see what happens after the combine.
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Irish Isle says:
If the Isles are unable to draft Fowler, then Connolly would be a nice cosolation prize.
Connolly is also the type of player that Garth likes to pick, there is a bit of risk, with a potential of a huge reward.
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Keep the pick at 5 and take the best available. Seems to be plenty of solid draft eligible prospects this year. A few really good ones will fall to the end of the 1st round. Would love to package a couple of picks and something else to get into the mid-late 1st round and get a player to compliment the one we get at 5.
No thanks on Hemsky. Better players (on teams in cap trouble) will be available.
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IslesRock says:
CB, thanks for getting this interview. So many of us wanted to learn more about this kid. The truth is, I am sure all of these kids in the top 10 will say the right things. Lets hope Garth and company get the job done.
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Blizzard says:
…..I will be the first to admit that I know squat when it comes to projecting young talent. But if we draft Gormley for some reason it brings up the name Scott Lachance. Please take a risk on Connelly if Fowler and Gudbranson are gone Garth.
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Jim Clark says: Connelly saying the Islanders are serious about building a contender around their young players is a polite way of saying he knows they are too cheap/poor to bring in a significant free agent.
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I still dont understand the hate on Gormley. Has anyone else seen him play. When I have he was shutting down the best players on the opposing teams. His shot is better than Fowler’s and his defensive positioning is better than Gudbranson’s. Brandon rarely makes mistakes. I am not saying I’d rather have one defenseman over another, but saying things like a guy can get a Gormley later in the draft is not right. Gormley is probably one of the best all around defensemen in the draft. I also dont see where the Calvin de Haan comparisons come from. Maybe he has similar offensive abilities, but defensively, Gormley is better. I would be very happy if he was picked by us 5th overall.
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Viper says:
Thanks, CB. Great insight. Looks good for the Isles at 5.
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People should be concerned if the Islanders take Connolly with the 5th pick. Red flags need to go up. The recent ISS rankings have Connolly dropping to 13. This drop in ranking has a lot to do with the recent play at the under 18′s. Gudbranson didn’t play well either and dropped. Granted, I have not seen Connolly play. I live in Windsor and see Taylor Hall and other OHL players play often. I saw the prospects game this year. Alot of great players. Niedereitter played in the game and scored a goal and was very good. The two players I have talked about the most since the WJC are Tarasenko(#4) and Niedereitter(#6). I talked about trading down and taking them because that is where they were ranked at the time. They have moved up considerably since then and for good reason. They are both awesome and can score goals, and create space for other people. I have said all along they were arguably the two best players at the WJC. Niedereitter is NHL ready if he is slowly worked in. Big, strong, good skater, nasty, and can score goals. NO TO CONNOLLY.
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anthony c says:
My top 3 in order for the islanders
1.Erik Gubranson
2.Cam Fowler
3.Brett ConnollyThat should be snows top 3 on draft day, and who ever is left of the 3 when its the islanders turn to pick then that’s who they take. If garth wants to take either Gubranson or Fowler he is gonna have to find a way to move up by switching picks with either florida or columbus. But if he stays at #5 then he is assured one of the 3. Personally I’m hoping he picks Gubranson.
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joe says:
My top 3
1.Gudbranson
2.Connelly
3.FowlerBig nasty d-man will never hurt my team.
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Bob says:
#29, the Isles medical staff has to be one of the worst in the NHL. Just look at how they handled DP and all the injuries the past 2 seasons. The Isles simply can’t afford to draft a player in the 1st round with even the slightest medical issue. I’d go with one of the 3 defenseman that will be there at #5: Grudbranson, Fowler, or Gromley in that order.
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Bruce says:
Good answers to the questions. Sounds mature for his age and seems to have a good outlook/perspective on things
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Steven says:
I’m in the same boat 78. I have no clue. Unless the team passes on a Crosby I’m not going to go nuts. I’m glad I do not have to draft 18 year old kids.
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admin says:
Thread closed.
Im sold. Take him if Gudbranson and Fowler are gone. I want someone who has a chance to play next year.