NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH INFORMATION
Preparation pays off for Islanders at the draft table
10:00 am: In the eyes of most experts, Mikael Granlund is the top-rated European skater in the 2010 NHL draft. When his 5-10 frame fills out, scouts believe the 18-year-old Finn has an excellent chance of being the next Saku Koivu. Some are convinced Granlund has more natural ability than the countryman he looks up to. They have reason to: playing in the men’s league known as the FNL, Granlund had 40 points in 43 games. (For a comparison, then 18-year-old Jesse Joensuu had 12 points in 51 games, 35 in 56 when he was 20).
Yet for all of the center’s world-class talent, only one National Hockey League team made the effort to bring Granlund to their town for a day and a half of meetings and evaluations.
“The New York Islanders,” Granlund told Point Blank in a phone conversation last night. “They were very…what is the word”?
Thorough?
“Yes, thorough,” said Granlund. “Complete. I had the feeling they wanted to know everything they could about me. I had a groin injury in November, not so bad at all. They asked about it and checked it out. They knew all the players on my lines in the Finnish League. (Granlund has a statistically-proven ability to make his linemates with IFK better, from Jerry Ahtola to Kim Hirschovits). They asked me a lot about things in my life and about my hockey. At the combine and in New York, they asked a lot.”
As a follower, that’s all you can ask of your team heading into a draft. No one can say that under general manager Garth Snow and amateur scouting director Ryan Jankowski that the Islanders over the last three years have not learned to prepare obsessively. When it comes to the draft, there’s no such thing as too much information.
“The Islanders have earned a strong reputation for doing their homework at every level when it comes to scouting,” said E.J. McGuire, the director of the NHL’s Central Scouting Service, which ranked Granlund No. 1 in Europe. “There aren’t too many rinks when one of our people don’t see Ryan Jankowski or (European chief) Vellu Kautonen or one of their other scouts. Personally, I think it’s great that they also take the time to fly in some of the highest-rated kids like they did last year.”
Last year, it was John Tavares, Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene. Confirmed visitors to our fair Island over the last month include Erik Gudbranson, Brandon Gormley, Cam Fowler and Ryan Johansen. Then there was the trio of Granlund, Nino Niederreiter and Alex Burmistrov.
“Even if the Islanders don’t take me, I’ll never forget the visit,” said Granlund, who believes he’ll go in the first half of the first round but has no idea where. “It was a good opportunity for all of us to meet with an NHL team and talk to their top people. Ryan Jankowski also showed us a nice time away from the rink. We appreciated that. I had only known Nino and Alex from playing against them, but we had a lot of fun together.
“I don’t know whether the Islanders will use one of their picks to draft me, or make a move to draft me, but it was impressive how much they tried to get a lot of information about me.”
Since 2008, the Islanders have made a habit of it. Good for them.
Comments.
55 Responses to NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH INFORMATION
Preparation pays off for Islanders at the draft table
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john says:
CB:
Glad to see the Isles are doing their due diligence, and while they might be hard on these kids to some eyes, I totally respect that. As far as Grnalund is concerned, seems like a sharp kid (good luck outside the Island). I am preparing for an Erik Gudbranson calling come Friday night. Now it’s time to use our available cap to good use and capitalize on other teams’ problems (i.e. Blackhawks and Flyers)
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I must say that the top of this draft has some pretty impressive kids. They seem to be solid off the ice as well.
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D. says:
Every time you write about a different player, I change my mind about the draft! You just make them all sound so appealing. I can’t decide.
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Bryan says:
haha uh oh… What does Garth have up his sleeve this year?
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potvin rocks says:
I don’t think that they would go for him. They don’t want to fall that far back, but it’s good to know that the Islanders are still able to sell the Dinosaur arena to the young kids. Hopefully if we are ever able to trade for him he doesn’t pull a Kirk Muller.
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Brian says:
I don’t think anyone can deny the Isles have gone about the draft process the right way since 2008. Who they take and what the players turn out to be is anyone’s guess but the process seems very good, which should make all fans happy.
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Brian G says:
Make some trades Snow. Even a move back a few spots would be OK
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
I agree…it does show how far the organization has come since mad mike…the fact that they are actually doing there homework on these guys says alot about the direction of the organization
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pete debenedetto says:
One would hope that if not drafted, when the time comes for these prospects to become one-day free agents (assuming they make it to the NHL), that they will remember their experience on Long Island and consider playing here one day.
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Word says:
Have to think that if we have what’s considered another strong draft, it’s only a matter of time before Jankowski is offered a job somewhere else.
Hope they have a game plan for keeping him around.
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The new isles gm says:
I have to say…the Islanders are def doing their homework. My question is…why interview so many defenseman n forwards? Does that indicate they might try n grab another pick in the top 10? Or just symbolize that they have no idea who’s the right guy? They asked double the amount to visit then last year which for me is the right way to go. But Garth being so hush hush about everything has made our drafts exciting, unpredictable, and rewarding. I like his n Janks approach. Build a strong rep throughout the league without being so vocal like lets say……Brian Burke. It’s a classy move and I am very excited for the draft party friday night. It’s going to be an interesting night.
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gary says:
yes, it seems for once they are listening to their scouts and letting them make the picks—Im still not sold on Snows draaft pick trading skills yet as i still think he way overpaid last year to get into the first–Id like to see him keep the 5th but maybe trade a few 2nds for another mid 1st
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Great read. It seems like anything can happen this Friday…. articles like these make me wonder if the Islanders will trade down and somehow land two – first round picks or a high second rounder. Can’t wait for the draft!
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Madchef says:
Got to think Isles are looking for their man at five or they are gonna trade back. I hope they can land Gubranson or pull back and get another mid round pick. seems to be some good talent in mid teens. by the way Go U.S.A. soccer
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bossy22 says:
Not with the 5th pick. If they like him that much, make a few deals and move up (ala De Hann) and select him. Do not trade down to get him. Just take Fowler or Gudbranson if they are there.
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Staten Islander says:
Def good to know that they are going about their business the right way. As long as they don’t pick another goalie, or guys with injury problems I’ll be happy
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4theisles says:
I remember a few years ago how our European scout talked us out of Zack Parise in favor of a still developing player. Please lets stick to a good sized tough promising forward in our later picks- there’s plenty to choose from.
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Examiner says:
Good to hear he will never forget his trip to LI. Maybe when he’s drafted by another team he will ease up on the Isles when he plays against them.
Still would prefer Fowler/Gudbranson or Burmistrov.
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Will C. says:
This is the 1st draft in a while where I am not sure who we should pick. I think FL is going to pick a forward definitely now with Horton dealt. Hmmmm…. I want offense. We stockpiled goaltenders and D last year, with them normally taking longer to reach potential that was the right move. Lets get some flash to play with JT.
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StevieL says:
I was wondering when we would hear mention of Granlund! I have read some places that feel he is the 3rd best player in this entire draft! I doubt the Isles are really considering him though! Unless we trade down!
As far as draft work, the Isles only add players from the draft. Of course we put more effort into the draft!Draft day is the most important day for the Islanders!Let the other teams worry about trades and FA’s! We got the draft covered!! -
Sheppy says:
Here are the facts. We are getting a good player and some people are going to be disappointed. We will most likely end up with one of Gudbranson, Gormley, Fowler, Connolloy, Granlund, Burmistrov, Tarasenko, Niederreiter, Johansen, or Campbell. We can sit and debate the relative merits of each player, but any of those guys would help us! The beauty of this draft, and what makes it so exciting for me, is that I feel we will make a move to get back into the first. I would love to see the team grab McIlrath later in the 1st. Tinordi interests me, too, but I hope he can fight better than his old man. Mark Tinordi was tough, but he was a human speed bag. I think I am in the minority, but I want Kabanov in the 2nd.
If we come away from this draft with one player out of the first bunch, McIlrath or Tinordi, and Kabanov, this draft will have been a HUGE success. I am not predicting we will get three such talents in those positions, but it is possible if the stars align.
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Granlund has been called the most exciting player in the Draft. At the April 09- World U-18 Tourney 6 games 2g-11a-13pts +9. Had 2 more assists than any other player. And at the 4 Nations Tourney led all scorers w/ 4 games-7g-2a-9pts, including a 4 Goal game against Russia for the Gold Medal(also hit 2 posts, could’ve had a 6 Goal game).
Proved he is a goal scorer too. He helped T.Pulkkinen put up a ton of Goals in the int’l Tourneys. Since Pulkkinen is a “Poor Mans Tavares”, I can only imagine how much Granlund could help the Real Tavares. The Isles should consider trading down for Granlund or get the best pure Goal Scorer in the Draft; Jeff Skinner! -
isles72 says:
he’s a smart player who will have a long nhl career.
I guess he could be of interest should the isles trade down slightly
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bossjones1 says:
He’s good but there is no way the isles pick him at 5. Overall the teams biggest need is size and he would’t solve that, he would just contribute to it.
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BTBoss says:
All this size being the Teams biggest needs. Skill is the team biggest needs not size… LA took a 5’11″ Doughty over a 6’2″ Bogosian or a 6’3″ Pietrangelo. Who can argue that choice? No one… What would Pitt look like of they didn’t choose Jordan Staal at 6’4″ and picked instead Jonathan Toews 6″1″ or Nicklas Backstrom at 6″0″ or Phil Kessel at 6″0″all centers with skill over size.. This team has so many needs and they need to fill it with skilled players. Size should be a non issue
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steve says:
good piece CB. very tired about GM coming under fire. these guys put in the effort, and with talent either starting to show at minor levels, or starting to arrive, how about some respect for the head office.
of course, another picture of point blank at the 2010 draft table would be a bit of justice. your a great read. -
Angelos says:
Could we be planning to trade UP, a la DeHaan last year? Do we have the assets?
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Isles have the secondmost picks in the draft out of the whole NHL, so yeah they I believe they have the asseets. They might be looking to trade up into the later 1st round. Personally, I think that Garth has shown he likes to be prepared to go any way (up, down, or stand pat) and then decide which to do based on what other teams are doing in regard to the kids the organization has its sights on. Ill say this: It sure is nice to have a GM who gets accurate on-the-floor scoops and is respected and works well with the other GMs. I know a lot of people were unsure it would work like that when Garth took this job but he seems to be fostering a nice reputation as a tight-lipped, smart dealer. What a change for this organization, huh?
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Spartiarti RVC says:
great to see they doing their due dilengence. Some ask why we interviewing,It could very well be in trade down or trade up.
Sometimes great players fall late into round if not 2nd round.
Go USA SOCCER
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Eric says:
Just take the BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE-forward or dmen! Praying that Fowler drops to us some How!
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isles16 says:
Why isn’t Mikael Granlund available for selection of “YOU Make the Pick” contest (select the draft pick and you win 2 free tickets to a game this season)on the islanders team website?????
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Josh says:
Sorry to correct you, Chris.
The “FNL” is actually called the SM-Liiga or SML.
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Mark In Ottawa says:
“The Islanders have earned a strong reputation for doing their homework at every level when it comes to scouting,”
Mr. Snow I apologize. I was wrong about you. I thought it was a mistake.
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orngfan says:
just what the doctor ordered!! another 5’10″ player for the islanders!!
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Chris in DC says:
I’m not so certain now they’ll keep the 5th pick. I think if Gudbranson is there, they’ll take him. But Snow might think McIlrath is just as good as Erik G., and trade down a few slots to get extra picks, then take McIlrath and a forward (Granlund, Nino, etc.), in the first round and add another 2-3 picks in the second round (Brock Nelson, Brad Ross, Tyler Toffoli, Jarred Tinordi, etc.).
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Nosebleed says:
He will be the pick. They will have the all “Pee Wee” team and continue to be pushed around the division. Then they will trade into the middle of the first round and draft a 5’11 150 pound defenseman slated to go in the second or third round……wait, that was already done last year.
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also… forward Kevin Hayes could be a good mid-round pick and potential future wing material for Tavares.
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Al L says:
For the most part,I hope Garth uses the KISS (keep it simple,stupid)theory in this draft. I have no problem using multiple 2′s and 3′s to move up in quest of another #1,but overanalysis of a member of a reported Fab Five usually results in passing up a Gem!
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Pete says:
First, I’d like to give big applause to BTBoss #27, all this harping on size is driving me nuts. Kvasha, Isbister, they all had size too, where’d that get them.
Secondly, I think the Isles are looking at the bottom half of the top ten prospects (3-10), because there’s a good chance they might trade down. There’s so much value (ie Nino, Gormley, Granlund) in the 5-10 spot, Snow would be negligent not to weigh all options.
Just my two cents.
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Strummer's Army says:
ya I tell you that Doug weight signing really improved the size, toughness, skating, & scoring factors. Just wasted a spot that prevents them from doing so.
I like this kid but not at 5.
I have a feeling Schremp won’t be an Isle long. Isles seemed determined to find a #2 center and if they do Nielsen moves to #3.
I do give the Isles scouts and GM tons of credit for how they have been running and executing the draft to this point. FA, trades, managing the amount of contracts etc not so much.
If Gudbranson and McIlrath are Isles Friday night they’ll have really made us all happy and earned even more respect from the hockey world.
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Church of Jankowski says:
If this post doesn’t make you happy to be an Islanders fan, I don’t know what will.
Regardless of your own personal preference, get ready for the organizational talent pool to improve by a significant margin on Friday and Saturday.
And to the poster who is crossing his fingers that some other team doesn’t steal Jankowski from us… amen, brother. Amen.
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I know nothing about nothing, but if Gudbranson is not available at 5, Isles will trade this pick to Atlanta for their two 1st rounders (with the Isles throwing in a 2nd rounder), take Connolly or Nino if available, and a big d-man (McIlrath?) with their 2nd selection. Wow, maybe I should be the GM!!(just kidding Garth).
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Gabe says:
I just don’t see the Isles trading down from #5. The drop off is just too stark. If we were in the #6 spot, then maybe.
I think we end up with Connolly or Gudbranson (pretty sure Fowler will be drafted already) at the 5 spot.
It’s possible we try to move up to the second half of the first round. However, for us Isles fans who want a playoff run next year, it really doesn’t matter. Connolly or Gudbranson have a tiny shot of cracking the lineup next year. No one else has a shot. So, we should all be hoping for Versteeg-type trades and then anticipating July 1st. Otherwise, we have the same team as last year (with the outside shot of Petrov or Hamonic making the team) and frankly, I’m getting tired of “looking down the road.” This team needs to be 8th or better next year and they won’t based on the results of Friday’s draft. It would really be unfortunate for us to be writing the same exact posts two days prior to the 2011 entry draft.
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KO21 says:
Hopefully this is a sign of the Isles restoring some respect from around the league…
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BTB– nice straw man… no one knows the NHL skill of these guys, nothing I have seen indicates that Granlund will be better than Nino or any of the other similarly ranked guys. You are comparing players after they have been in the league for years, of course no one would give up an all star because he is two inches shorter.
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Bossjones1- that’s all I’m saying you don’t draft just because his 2 inches taller with pick this early at #5. I might look at size later in round 2 and 3. It’s the skills that makes this kids. I’ll take my chance on Brett Connolly who if not for the hip injury this season would have been right up there with Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. If Connolly is gone and you have a choice of Cam Fowler and Erik Gudbranson who do you take? I don’t know… But for me it’s not about size.. it’s about skill and style of play that I hope scouts look at way before his size.
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Tony says:
are we trading up to the mid first round?
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
That’s exactly what I was thinking Jack (50) … It gives Chicago lots more wiggle room when it comes to the cap.
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Something tells me the Islanders are going to have a very very good draft … call it a gut instinct … Either that or I should check into what I had for lunch.
I think the Isles need to get an elite potential d-man or forward (Gudbranson or Connolly) … and after picking (getting left with) one or the other … Then with the second pick … take a BPA forward if they got Guddy or take a BPA defenseman if they got Brett.
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jon from nj says:
Yup…Versteeg is staying. Grrrrreeeat.
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Darren says:
Its Gud or they’ll trade down (better be Atlanta).They have so many needs but I totally agree that TALENT should be 1st in drafting any player.With that said positional need is 1st if talent is even.As for the size debate,yes thats a major issue too but that can be cured by sprinkling some in here and there.The whole team does not need to be 6’4″ 225.Another need for this team that everyone has failed to mention is speed.W/ the go-go style that is the most important need(after talent of course).Hunter could be packaged w/ 2cnd round picks to move up later in 1st round.He does not fit Gordons system @ all and is way too soft in the physical confrontation stuff.One of many current Isles that can get punched in face and do nothing.These types must go.Heres one Garth..KO and the 5th to Boston for their 2cnd.(speaking of soft players)Then move up in 1st and nab McIlrath.Now THAT would be a good draft!I know,I know wishful thinking.Either way I’ll be watching and hopefully excited about picks.
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vfred says:
Scoring is still an issue with the Isles, would not be opposed to taking the best forward to work well with Taveres. We have Hamonic, DeHaan and Donovan coming thru the ranks to help us on defense. That is a solid group, also Katic may not be far away either…
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admin says:
Thread closed.
How far we have come. Good read CB.