GUDBRANSON, FOWLER TO VISIT ISLANDERS
Pair among top draftees to visit Wang and Snow
Game 3 is do-or-die for Flyers
Now that the Draft Combine is over, it’s time to bring the boys to Long Island. Point Blank has learned that prospective top-five draft picks Erik Gudbranson and Cam Fowler have accepted invitations to visit New York for a day and a half each and meet with owner Charles Wang and general manager Garth Snow.
Gudbranson, the rugged 6-3 defenseman from the Kingston Frontenacs whom one NHL draft source believes is the apple of the Islanders’ eye, is tentatively scheduled to arrive on June 10.
Fowler, the wondrously gifted puck-moving defenseman with the Memorial Cup champion Windsor Spitfires, quickly committed to an Islanders’ trip expected to take place in the next two weeks.
The Islanders are scheduling visits with at least another three prospects from the 2010 draft, including scoring wing Brett Connolly of the Prince George Tigers and two-way defenseman Brandon Gormley of the Moncton Wildcats. A pair of forwards from the Portland Winter Hawks, Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johansen, are also believed to be under consideration.
A year ago at this time, the Islanders welcomed John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Viktor Hedman to Long Island. Tavares and Duchene stayed at Snow’s home. A hectic schedule for Hedman, a native of Sweden, limited his visit to just four hours.
New York will not be the only stop on the tours for Gudbranson and Fowler. Each is scheduled to visit with most of the teams drafting in the top six: Edmonton, Boston, Florida, Columbus, the Islanders and Tampa Bay.
Gudbranson, Fowler and Connolly will also join top-two prospects Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin in an NHL-sponsored trip to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in Philadelphia on Friday.
Comments on this story.
61 Responses to GUDBRANSON, FOWLER TO VISIT ISLANDERS
Pair among top draftees to visit Wang and Snow
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Tom says:
Lets hope they mow the grass on the parkways before these boys show up.
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The new isles gm says:
Very curious what could be said at this point to help one’s chance’s being selected by the NY Islanders. Sure teams 3 & 4 will play a part in their decision but how could these kids not love Long Island? Minutes away from the city and a great rivalry…plenty of good places to eat and plenty of hot chicks attending Hofstra… Long Island sells itself… Can’t wait to see who’s selected… I think we’re in for a surprise whether that be a trade or not picking the best player available. Either way I trust their decision….
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Isles Fanatic says:
Exciting times begin….fun to talk about stuff such as the upcoming draft…. I look forward to see who they pick….I listened to Gudbranson talk on the local Ottawa sport radio (he is from Otawa) and he spoke highly of his upcoming trip to Long Island, even more than the rest… Whatever the Isles choice may be…I only hope they do not trade it away…draft as high as you can….and continue the rebuiling process.
This team is going to be really good in a few years….exciting times indeed…
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mark p says:
Will the visits include a Met game and a drive around Queens?
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(Sim)ple says:
I would take them all over… except the Coliseum concourse and locker room area.
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potvinrocks says:
Good news, surprised that Jack Campbell wasn’t contacted by more teams. I won’t be surprised if he goes in the top 10, central scouting has him at 6.
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MJS says:
@ #3 – It sells itself to someone that’s going to be pulling in between six to seven figures a year for the next ten years.
That being said, I find that Fowler committing early encouraging. Granted he’s still on the board at #5, I think that kind of thing could distinguish him from someone else at that position. If he wants to be on the team, then he’ll keep the effort up to 110% more often than not.
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dose says:
if they can get gudbranson in here i will be elated. i just think that kid is tailor made for what this team really needs at this particular juncture. the perfect draft pick.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
great news, i would be happy with either one. we need help on the blue line. Both fit the build. I can wish they are NHL ready. Hard from Dman Position.
Perhaps kate murray can take them thru hempstead and uniondale and show the them what a beautiful suburban area we are trying to perserve around the arena. LOL.
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Sandy says:
Oh please – no more D-Men!! I’m all up for Johanson, Niederreiter, or even Connolly with a healthy hip…
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alex says:
Gudbranso or Connolly!
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Hock says:
I’m not so sure either one will be available at #5. So that begs the question of what the cost would be to move up to the #4 slot.
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a defenseman who is big and tough but also has strong offensive skills is absolute gold.
getting gudbranson could be as if last year they got both tavares AND hedman, except i don’t know how tough hedman is. there seems to be no question about this kid. -
Strummer's Army says:
#9 no more D-men? Outside of Hamonic and De Haan the Isles have no D prospects. It is the biggest need.
Thrilled to see these guys coming for a visit. Garth and Ryan seem to do a good job of getting to know the guys and making the good choice. I think it comes down to Gudbranson or Connolly and either would be a big boost.
If Gudbranson is the pick and then Snow makes sure he grabs McIlrath later that would give them this top 6 in a couple of years and it is a top 6 capable of winning a CUP.
Streit Gudbranson
De Haan Hamonic
Hillen McIlrathFlorida’s GM (#3) already said he’s willing to trade the pick.
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Gutty34 says:
The one good thing about visits in June. LI is an awesome place during the summer. Drive them down ocean parkway through Jones beach right down through Long Beach. Swing fron there back to the Coliseum ansd stop at Cans for a drink and lunch on old country road. Any 18 year old will be sold!
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Steve M says:
Hopefully grab Connolly at 5, then try to move up to late 1st round and get Dylan McIlrath for the toughness on D we need.
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MilburyRuinedMyLife says:
If Gudbranson/Fowler both go top 4 that meaningless comeback to force OT against Pittsburgh will haunt us for years. Unless, that is, we’re then smart enough to grab Connelly at 5…
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2Bit says:
Seriously, franchises are built around strong Dmen. Would the Red Wings have won as many Stanley Cups as they did w/o Lindstrom? I think not. Granted the dman isn’t always the answer, but I think the Isles could still use one more solid choice. However, if Gudbranson isn’t there for us then I don’t mind going with a winger such as Connoly. I seriously don’t think Fowler is going to be there for us.
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pritchett54 says:
I will be happy with Gubrandson or Fowler, I am not so sure about Connolly. Hip problems are serious things. We could use a big tough dman like gubrandson.
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Hockey Guy in Canada says:
These aren’t free agents. You don’t have to sell them anything. They are brought in to sell their character and thought process’ to the Islanders and the other teams picking early. I wonder how Billy Smith would have reacted to the kinds of questions the suits ask prospects these days.
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Never easy being an Isles Fan says:
It would be nice to have a 6’3″ d-man, especially if hes close to NHL ready….This team needs a big “D” presence
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bossy22 says:
Gudbranson…he will be there at #5. He is the right pick. He brings an element that this team needs…..physical play. From what I read, he brings alot of assets to the table. With the 5th pick, the New York Islanders are pleased to select, from Kingston Frontenacs….Erik Gudbranson. Then listen to Peirre MaGuire fall of his seat and tell everyone that we just selected a human tank and Crosby and Oveckin need to keep their head up
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Rob76 says:
I just dont want the team to take Gormley over Connolly. I want Connolly first but if Gundbranson or Fowler is there at five instead i cant get mad
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JayK says:
Was it Torrey or Arbour who used to say you build from the goal out? So our goalie situation is far from normal, and there isn’t a high ranked goalie there anyway. So Gudbranson might be the man.
If a draft candidate is going to be an Islander, they need to have him try eating at Kitchen Kabaret on Glen Cove Rd., since that’s where half the team eats during the season. If the candidate doesn’t like it, well, there’s really no point.
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sheppy says:
I want the team to grab Gormley or Gudbrandson at 5 and move up into the latter part of the 1st round to draft Kirill Kabanov. I was not too fond of Gormley, but the more I read, the more I like him. Kabanov is everyone’s whipping boy right now, but he has size and talent (and we need top-six forwards!). Coming out of the draft with two of those three players (assuming one of the d-men) would be awesome in my opinion.
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Moose says:
@ JayK
Philly and Chicago didn’t build from the goal out. With De Haan and Hamonic close I want Connolly or Nino. We need more scoring and D men take longer to develop.
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Abadger says:
How did Chicago NOT build from the goal out? With Keith and Seabrook that’s exactly what they did.
They should pick Gudbrandsson. He seems like a copy of Luke Schenn in his draft year. I happen to think Schenn was a solid draft pick, just not worth those 2nd rounders Toronto paid. Well, guess what? Snow doesn’t have to pay anything to pick at 5:)
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Eric says:
Why no Love for Brandon Gormley. The kid has been ranked in the 5-6 all year and is even 4th on some draft boards. Fowler is going 3rd so I wouldnt even talk about him much, but if Grudbranson is taken 4th, then I take either Connolly or Gormley. Whoever the scouts think will have a longer, more productive career and the player that they think can make a difference come playoff time. Ya see thats what really matters…getting playoff type players. They do not have to be the best players but boy do Byfuglien, Bolland really bring it come playoff time.
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matt says:
unlike last year i wont b mad at almost ne pick here i would love connolly personally but i would take nino or any of the top 3 dmen and would b happy with the pick
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Fowler has awesome skill. Gudbranson is a brick wall filled with character. Connely can get the puck in the net. Any one of these 3 would be great. The problem is when I watch Niederieter, he has size, skill, personality and determination! Oh, what to do?!!
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Staten Islander says:
Hope they pick Gudbranson, then stick him in the bridge for half a season at least and let him work with Capuano. If he’s gone, my choice is Nino
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BR says:
Sheppy – That’s the kind of scenario I see playing out. If one of the D are left at 5, then they grab him and move back up later to grab a skilled forward like Kabanov. But, if Gudbranson and Fowler are gone at 5, then I see them grabbing a Connolly and moving back-up later to grab one of the lower-ranked big D.
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Yippy Yappe Uwe says:
Sheppy and BR, I sincerely hope that you guys are Garth Snow and Ryan Jankowski. My thoughts exactly.
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doublew says:
I would love Gudbranson at five and Kabanov in the 2nd round…Or Connolly (if healthy) at five, and move 35 and 58 to Atlanta and take Jared Tinordi at 24.
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Mike L says:
Strummer #15- I like your thinking. I would love both Gudbranson and McIlrath on D. I think this will be a very unlikely scenario though. Even if Gudbranson does somehow fall to 5, Snow will probably have to trade up to within the top 20 to get a shot at picking McIlrath.
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cjzimm says:
I hope Tinordi pisses people off in the interviews so he falls to us in the 2nd.
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Lance says:
I’m with #12.
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Boss15 says:
They will get a good player at 5 be it Gudbranson or Connolly or whoever. The interesting part is what happens after that. Pretty sure that Garth will move up, at this point they really need quality over quantity. Unfortunately not a ton for them to trade to move up.
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Vas says:
#12 We are on the same bandwagon! I want a forward or a D-bruiser. No more undersized defenseman that can’t clear me out of the crease!
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27Tonelli says:
We SHOULD take “El Nino” at #5 and Teemu Pulkinnen at #35 ! Then concentrate on defense after that ! We have 6 of the first 95 picks in this year’s Draft ! Be smart Garth, please take my advice !
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Glen S says:
Cb thats great news about the mini camp @ NVMC, now that there not going to china they should do the same with training camp. I know this is a different thread but I’d thought Id throw it out there. As far as the draft goes I think overall who ever garth take’s @ #(5)!!!! will be a good player my prefernce is a D- man.
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Examiner says:
BAP – Best available player. End of story.
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anthony c says:
I prefer Gudbranson a bit more over Fowler cause Gudbranson has a bit more size then Fowler plus he is not scared to drop the gloves and stick up for his team mates which gives him the edge in my book. I would be happy with either Gudbranson or Fowler, but I believe Gudbranson has the edge. Connolly is the sleeper for the Isles, but since he has hurt his hip Isles would probably be cautious of him if he is all that is left at #5
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battfist says:
Big decision @ 5 for the Isles.
I really dnt know who the Isles should grab. Gudbranson, Gromley or Connolly will fall to 5. How can you not like any of these players?
Then the next tier of Nino, Johansen, Forbot(he could end up being a beast!!!) and/or Skinner look like potential NHLers.
Very important pick for the Isles rebuild. I hope the visits help the Isles make the right decision.
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Irish Isle says:
“Gudbranson, the rugged 6-3 defenseman from the Kingston Frontenacs whom one NHL draft source believes is the apple of the Islanders’ eye”
I hope this is the same scout that had the Isles selecting Duchene last year. There is something that tells me that Gudbranson will be a good d-man, but not a great one. I also didnt like the fact that despite being off for two weeks, he didnt train for the Combine.
I really like Fowler, I like the speed, skill and size that he brings.
Quick question CB, did the Isles bring in de Haan last year for an interview? Also any idea if Austin Watson is one of the players the Isles have their eyes on? I love the fact that he is a 6’3 RW that does the little things to win big games.
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mrlbem says:
Since the 2011 draft class is supposed to be weak, I wonder if the Islanders would consider trading next year’s number one pick. And I’m curious as to what kind of return in this year’s draft we would get for next year’s pick.
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Jeff in NH says:
CB, thanks again for keeping us informed, we would be lost without you. Looks like a win-win-win with either Gub, Connolly, or Fowler. The really story is when and who our second pick will be. Funtimes in Isles country.
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Blizzard says: …..unless we draft the next Drew Doughty I am of the thinking we need someone who can fill the net. Connolly or El Nino please…..
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Brian G says:
If Gundbranson & Fowler are gone Snow needs to consider a trade down…for a pick & maybe some NHL players
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No trading down, take the BEST player available…….
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vrinqueens says:
Love Gundbranson!!! but would take Fowler is he’s still available. Either pick would be safe.
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billy says:
been reading up on gudbranson, fowler, connolly and i am up in arms who to choose.
This draft will be a bit intriguing hopefully,maybe snow moves up a couple?
i’ll take any of ‘em, excited about petrov too. -
#48 My best guess….if we packaged our #5 this year and the #1 next year, we could have Bos on the phone atleast talking to us about the #2 pick this year. The #1 next year is worth 3 spots for Hall or Seguin.
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thepolishprince says:
Our defencive prospect pool is not nearly overflowing. Gudbranson please.
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Darren says:
Either way they go the Isles will land a solid prospect.#55 great possibility but highly unlikely as Boston is lacking that star player and the #2 pick will give them that.Personally I’d like to see Gud picked @ 5 but if he’s gone then Connoly(just the name scares the heck out of me..injury prone)or El Nino.If Garth decides to trade down then he better be getting NHL ready players in return(and I do mean more than 1).Go Isles!!
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Rich says:
Because I know it would make at least 50% of the people pissed off, I’m 99% sure that Snow will take Gormley.
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Honnold says:
Need defense. To say De Haan and Hamonic are NHL ready right now is a big stretch. One more great stay-at-home defensive prospect will cover all the bases.
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bryan says:
If we go w/ a dman, they should not go straight to the big club. At least send them to the port first….question- what are the isles picks this year?
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John from ATL says:
Fowler will be gone by the time the Isles select 5th. I would think he’ll go to Fla. It’s all up to what Columbus does. I would think they would go with Gudbranson and the Islanders would get either Connelly or Gormley. I’d take Connelly. Gormley is the safe pick but, sounds like Scott LaChance (boring). Connelly is high risk, high reward. If Columbus takes Connelly or Niederreiter, the Isles should grab Gudbranson.
Exciting! I hope these go well and that we get a shot at either one of these guys…this countdown is torture. So interested to know what goes into this meet and greet process…specifically the psych. evaluation.