Monthly Archives: June 2010
CB at FanHouse: $14 mill a year for Kovalchuk? Not yet
Should the Islanders draft at No. 5, either Cam Fowler, Brett Connolly or Erik Gudbranson will be there for the taking (if the team wants them). Here’s one of two interviews I recorded with Fowler. This one is for Point Blank readers on Fowler’s views on meeting with the Islanders.
Check out Adam Gretz’s visual demonstration of Ville Leino’s play. Islanders-related draft update up next.
PHILADELPHIA, 2:15 pm - In the NHL draft version of speed-dating, the top five prospects (as selected by NHL Central Scouting) faced the media after the morning skate at Wachovia Center before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.
An NHL executive brought out the young men – Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Cam Fowler, Brett Connolly and Erik Gudbranson – and said, “Here ya go.” A few dozen reporters descended on them. Point Blank conducted interviews with all of them, but let’s start today with a few random notes of interest to Islanders fans.
The Point Blank Most Impressive Prospect of 2010 goes to…Erik Gudbranson. He’s 18 years old, but has a presentation, polish and maturity beyond his years. He’s also friggin’ huge. Gudbranson told me he had a goal this summer to put on more weight. I looked at him and said, “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”
Of course, what’s most important is how a player performs on the playing surface. However, if the Islanders’ choice came down (in part) to how the prospect conducted himself at the Draft Combine and visit to Long Island, I would think it would be Gudbranson in close to a landslide.
Check this out: Gudbranson and Cam Fowler have only two in-person interviews – in Columbus and New York (“Islanders,” clarified Gudbranson, clearly excited about it). Fowler reported that the pair of defensemen may even travel together. Gudbranson said the week of June 10 will be a whirlwind for him because he’s going straight from an NHL event in Toronto to Long Island to Columbus. “Then I have to get back to school,” said the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year.
Before visiting the Islanders and Blue Jackets, Fowler seemed pumped to get a few days off in Mexico as he, Hall and the rest of the Windsor Spitfires celebrate their Memorial Cup championship. Fowler and Hall have had no time off since the start of the season in September that included the World Junior Championships, OHL playoffs, Memorial Cup and then right into the Draft Combine and trip to Philadelphia. “Best year of my life,” said Fowler. “Besides, all the distractions since the Memorial Cup help keep my mind off the draft.”
Gudbranson and Fowler both said they expect to meet with Garth Snow, possibly Charles Wang and some of the players. They have received itineraries from the team with a specific schedule of meetings, a tour of the community and fun stuff. Gudbranson volunteered that he believes the Islanders’ medical team will check him out.
Brett Connolly can be sure of that. He told me that a visit to Long Island “is in the works,” but he doesn’t have a confirmed date yet. Connolly said the Draft Combine was key for him because he was able to answer all the questions about his hip. The Prince George wing, who will most likely go between the third and sixth picks, is by far the least slick of the top five prospects. Again, that doesn’t mean he won’t eventually be the best hockey player – which is all the matters.
The Islanders gave their list of confirmed visitors to Katie Strang of Newsday (subscription needed). Mikael Granlund, Nino Niederreiter, Alex Burmistrov and Ryan Johansen have already visited. As PB previously reported, Gudbranson is set for June 10 and Fowler on June 8. Brandon Gormley comes in on June 11.
Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin only have two outside visits each, both to Edmonton and Boston. If you needed proof that they are a lock to go 1-2 in some order (probably that order), there you have it. It appears the other 28 teams are so convinced they won’t be moved that they are not bothering to ask for extra time with Hall and Seguin. Both kids were very impressive. Seguin was sharp and cordial at all times. When we turned the camera on for a FanHouse interview, Hall lit up and put an extra layer of smooth on.
Comments on this post and the top draft prospects.
CB on FanHouse TV with Ray Ferraro
1:05 pm - As mentioned countless times in this space, the only real news generated out of the World Championships is whether a player gets injured. John Tavares did not come home from Germany with his health intact. Blocking a shot by Jonathan Ericsson, Tavares suffered a broken bone in his foot – only discovered yesterday according to reports.
The Islanders say Tavares will be out 2-4 weeks from now. The injury occurred in the game between Canada and Sweden two weeks ago. A source tells Point Blank that Tavares will be 100% in plenty of time for training camp. Where the injury hurts: playing in the Worlds cut into JT’s time to rest and strengthen. So will being on the sidelines with a broken foot. Tavares tells Newsday he will begin skating in July, which he said was his plan all along. Comments.
Philadelphia - Mark Messier came away extremely impressed after getting the opportunity to see John Tavares in action on and off the ice at the World Championships.
“John is so tremendously focused,” Messier told Point Blank. “In watching him at practices and in games, his preparation really stood out for me. His entire approach to the game came off to me like he was a seasoned veteran.
“He’s such a great kid,” added Messier, the Team Canada GM who was at the Stanley Cup Final to promote the Bridgestone NHL Leadership Award named in his honor. “I found him and all the young players we had on our roster in Germany to be so much fun to be around. Besides John’s talent, I noticed that he has such a strong respect for the game. It was a great experience getting to work with him.”
Comments on Tavares.
CB on FanHouse TV with Arron Asham
Details: Kirill Petrov’s participation has been confirmed by the team; most 2010 draft picks will be there, as will Matt Martin, Travis Hamonic and Calvin de Haan, among many others. No word yet if the sessions are open to the public. Check the official team website for details as the camp nears. A scrimmage on July 10 will be open to all fans. Comments.
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