THERE’S 1-17-3, BUT ON THE BRIGHT SIDE…
The end-of-2010 NYI Top Prospects Rankings
POINT BLANK HOLIDAY PARTY, Dec. 23
When the hockey team is 5-18-5 and 21 points out of eighth place on Dec. 14, there are few places left to go in the piling on of the 2010-11 New York Islanders. There’s Kyle Okposo’s return in a few weeks. There’s the suspense of whether they can win a few games over the holidays. There’s…there’s…yeah.
Look, this really happened – losing 20 of 21 games in a hard salary cap era, the dysfunctional training camp, the deJaffeinization, the scrimmage injuries, coaching change, Kate’s Lighthouse chop, the raised ticket prices in down market and economy, the “country club,” the pitiful showing at MSG, whatever the frick that was last night in Nashville, all of it – and no one should ever forget it.
It also doesn’t mean the Islanders are still not in potential position to be very good again in a few years, if they function like a major league sports franchise should. Let Charles Wang and the real estate people handle the real estate. Stop with the self-fulfilling prophecy of, “No free agent will sign here” while trying to sign free agents.
Plenty of teams have managed to contend while waiting for a new arena. Plenty of teams have won in outdated barns. Plenty of teams have competed with low payrolls. Then there are the Phoenix Coyotes. Despite horrible economics and a low budget, there are the consistently professional and committed managers, coaches and players with the Nashville Predators.
The prelude over, this post is about prospects. When the Islanders’ scouts gather around the table for the 2011 NHL Draft, Mike Milbury’s last draft will have been six years ago. Between the Islanders’ likely top-five (top-two?) overall selection and every other kid they bring home, their prospect pool will be re-stocked.
So, as Carl in Caddyshack would say, they’ve got that going for them…which is nice.
The Islanders losing 20 of their last 21 games (really now, holy crap) doesn’t change this. Whether you want to believe or not want to believe is strictly an individual choice. Like the wonder of Santa Claus, it might depend on how long you’ve been at this. No one has the right to try to change your mind one way or the other.
Add scoring forward John Tavares (20 years old), potential second line center Josh Bailey (21) and a top-three pick in the 2011 NHL Draft to the seven or eight young men from this list who should have solid-or-better careers, and there should still be plenty of reasons to watch Islanders games in the future. It’s on Garth Snow and his staff to do the rest. No excuses.
So here we go with the end-of-2010 Prospect Rankings.
Polled: Eight NHL scouts not affiliated with the Islanders.
Criteria: All levels of hockey, limited to 25 games or fewer played in the NHL.
Upside: Included after each ranking is the player’s maximum upside should he reach the NHL. Repeat: maximum upside in the NHL.
Disclaimer (!): Realistically speaking, as with any NHL team’s prospect charts, at least half of these players will never establish long-term NHL careers. It’s the best hockey league in the world, and a very tough business. If a prospect is not on this list, it’s not in error. He likely is facing an uphill battle to get a serious look in the NHL.
Maybe not goosebump-inducing, but a better-than-average group to build with.
1. Nino Niederreiter, Portland (WHL) - first line wing. Playing a little bit better each week in Portland, where he is 11-12-23 in 22 games. Not dominant, but give him time. In a few years, Niederreiter should be on the Islanders’ first line and first unit power play. Just don’t rush him.
2. Calvin de Haan, Oshawa (OHL) – top-pair defenseman. Super-smart, super kid. Will play leading role for Canada at the WJC. Again, he’s going to need time to fill out physically and hit his ceiling, but he’s a top-50 NHL prospect.
3. Travis Hamonic, Islanders – shut-down defenseman. Says a lot about the young man that he hasn’t shied away from anything in his first NHL action. A huge part of the rebuild with his talent and character.
4. Kevin Poulin, Bridgeport (AHL) – No. 1 goaltender. One of the most impressive little-known prospects in all of hockey. What a find for the scouting staff. Already showing his capabilities in the AHL at such a young age.
5. Kirill Petrov, Yugra (KHL) – second line wing. Slowing down after a hot start soon after his trade from Kazan to Yugra, Petrov still has the size, strength and tools to be a top-six forward for the Islanders in a few years. He’s going to need plenty of good coaching and leadership from his peers when he gets here.
6. Brock Nelson, North Dakota (NCAA) – No. 2 center. A long-term project – at least three years away from the NHL – but a worthwhile one. Good pick, E. (kidding!)
7. Kirill Kabanov, Maine (QMJHL) – second line wing. Playing better (and more) since trade to the appropriately-named Maineiacs. If he stays around a point-a-game in Lewiston and then behaves impeccably at next year’s Islanders training camp, consider it a big step forward.
8. Mikko Koskinen, Bridgeport (AHL) – No. 1 goaltender. Needs time to get comfortable in the North American game; keep in mind, he missed most of last season with a hip injury. Still, the big Finn could be special if Sudarshan Maharaj successfully helps him with his education.
9. Matt Donovan, Denver (NCAA) – second pair defenseman. Also a few years away, but arguably the most pleasant surprise mid-round pick of this regime. Said one scout of Donovan, 5-9-14 in 20 games this season: “Easily one of the five best puck-moving defensemen in college hockey, and he’s just a sophomore.”
10. David Ullstrom, Bridgeport (AHL) – second line forward. More likely a third-liner, but Ullstrom may be more capable in the offensive zone than advertised when taken in the fourth round of 2008.
11. Rhett Rakhshani, Bridgeport (AHL) - third line forward + power play. Made his NHL debut for the Islanders on Monday in Nashville after a terrific first quarter in Bridgeport.
12. Casey Cizikas, Mississaugua-St. Michael’s (OHL) - third line center. An uplifting personal story, Cizikas survived another round of cuts this morning for a roster spot on Team Canada at the World Junior Championships. He is 16-20-36 in 28 games in the OHL this season.
13. Anders Nilsson, Lulea (Sweden) – No. 2 goaltender. Twenty-year-old goalie is another worthwhile project. He could join Bridgeport sometime in the next two seasons. Nilsson could also be used down the road as a trade chip.
14. Anders Lee, Notre Dame (NCAA) - third line forward. While still learning the game as a freshman in Notre Dame, the former high school quarterback is having an outstanding season. Raw ability, impeccable dedication.
15. Jesse Joensuu, Bridgeport (AHL) – third line forward. Needs more consistent giddyup and passion in his game. Much more.
16. Mark Katic, Bridgeport (AHL) – third pair defenseman. Good skater, good student, works hard. Could make it if he continues to push himself and listens to Pat Bingham, his very good coach in Bridgeport.
17. Jason Clark, Wisconsin (NCAA) – third line forward
18. Blake Kessel, New Hampshire (NCAA) – third pair defenseman
19. Aaron Ness, Minnesota (NCAA) – third pair defenseman
20. Jason Gregoire, North Dakota (NCAA) – third line forward
21. Robin Figren, Bridgeport (AHL) – fourth line forward
22. Corey Trivino, Boston University (NCAA) - fourth line forward
23. Shane Sims, Ohio State (NCAA) – depth defenseman
24. Dustin Kohn, Bridgeport (AHL) – depth defenseman
143 Responses to THERE’S 1-17-3, BUT ON THE BRIGHT SIDE…
The end-of-2010 NYI Top Prospects Rankings
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Isles66 says:
After last night’s game, this was a welcome column.
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matt says:
there are no excuses CB, I do not know why you are trying to make excuses. Snow/Wang knew about streit and KO`s injuries before the first game of the season and did nothing about it. It is sad wang has to use yashin and witt to make the payroll higher.
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27Tonelli says:
Casey Cizikas = Mike Richards ! Mark my words ! Future looks bright ! Plus we will add a Top 2 pick also ( Couturier) ! Let’s Go Islanders !
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Hollywood says:
Pretty much what I expected. Not much other than 3rd liners and stiffs on D. We need Petrov and Kabanov to be players if we are to compete down the road.
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Lance79 says:
Tough question for you Chris but where does this set of prospects stack up against other NHL teams? Top third in the league? Bottom third? Top 5?
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Jim says:
I hope these rankings are correct. I saw another set of rankings on another web site and none of our prospects exept for Taveras was rated as a first line player.
In any event it will be at least 3 years before most of these guys are even up witht he “pro” club and probably 5 years until they are mature enough to make an impact. That brings us to 2015 and we all know what will most likely happen then.
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Jon in Chicago says:
Thanks for the much-needed ray of light Chris. Do we see Poulin this season with the big club? I sure hope so especially after Rolly is dealt for a 3rd-round pick.
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mrlbem says:
Realistically speaking, what is the future of Poulin on this team with, you know, that guy with the 15 year contract who plays the same position?
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felix says:
Tough call. pittsburgh sucked for years so did washington and chicago so patience is not outrageous to ask for. As disgusted as I am with the present product, the future has potential.
big question, with apparent lack and need for veterans with the kids, will that happen when these prospects are on the cusp of the NHL?
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Mike R. says:
Good Question Lance79. Hey CB any respose to that? I am excited about a few of those guys for sure (The top 4 spoecifically). Are we the envy of the league with these prospects?
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Do we have any promissing coaches in our Prospect pool? We sure need one.
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Brian G says:
A few different places have the Isles ranked 19th out of 30 teams…that’s not that good considering all of the picks they have had over the last few years. I guess after they trade most of their UFA’s – they will have more darts to throw at this year’s draft. I think they need better talent evaluators going into this important draft. Picks that are made in rounds 2 and 3 have to become players they use in some sort of way….not just 4th line forwards and extra defenseman.
CB – Will the Islanders sign prospects like Sims and Brian Day? Day was left off your list but over the last 2 years I hear and read that he has really stepped up his game. Wouldn’t he be worthy enough to play at the bridge to develop…
How many contracts for players (& prospects) can each team have signed?
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Eric Cup says:
Great to see you at the Knick game Sunday, CB. I’ve been faithfully following this team since 1975. I’ve got so many great memories and so many disappointments. The “fisherman” era was a disaster. Now this! While it’s nice to read about the prospects and their potential “upside”, I’m left to wonder what it all really means. Sure, Garth has done a couple of interviews, but, as fans, we’ve really heard absolutely nothing from our owner. What’s his plan? The season ticket base has diminished and I can only imagine what it will look like next season as there WAS some optimism going into this season. Could it be that we will see less than 5000 on a Saturday night next year? Seems like these prospects are a long way off and those that are with the club now are just stagnating. I have managed to go to 35-40 home games for years, but I have finally reached the end of my long rope. After the Sunday “Kid’s Day” game in which I took my family, I realized I just can’t endure this in person anymore. They’ve lost me. It’s sad really. Thanks for your dedication in the face of dis-respect from this organization, CB. You’re not alone however. All of us who follow this team and have supported them with our hearts and wallets have been die-respected as well.
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exileskimsurf96 says:
Keep in mind we are going to end up with a top 3 pick and will add another top chip prospect up front. Also keep in mind with Rolli to deal at the deadline to lets say a desperate team who needs goltending like Washington, we may end up with another late first rounder. Our top 6 slots are going to fill up quick. KO, JT, and Bailey r top 6 fowards no question. Throw in Nugent-Hopkins or Couterier and insert Nino and your 5 of top 6 are high first round talents. Sprinkle in 1 or 2 Veteran top 6 caliber fowards and 2 years from now we could be scary…. optimism
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hockeytime says:
In all honesty? Who cares? This team will continue to stink year after year. It doesn’t matter who they draft. They need some real veteran talent not Jon Sim, PA Crapenteau, Mark Eaton, and Motteau. Give these kids some real help and they might succeed. Give them the dish Charles is serving now and your leaving them out in the cold. Mark my words, Charles Wang and Co are ruining this team, we are seeing it as I write this. I now watch in hopes they lose because then maybe something will give. FISHSTICKS 2: Return of the Shame. It happened again. Is anyone really surprised?
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brian says:
Niederrieter is barely at a point a game at the WHL level. Very disappointing if you ask me. Say “give him time” all you want, but until recently Skinner was near a point a game at the NHL level. Then you have Fowler, a better player (and proving it) than either DeHaan or Hamonic. The Isles are in a division with young players galore. In truth, these teams have a better present and future then the Isles. That’s just the way I feel.
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rpchief says:
As crazy as it sounds. I believe Garth knows what he is doing. I know is hard do see this, but when you list the prospects and their up sides, plus another top pick this year I might be in the minority, but I’m optimistic about the future. If Wang stays out of the way, this might work. It would have been easy for Garth to make a trade for the sake of a trade, but whats the point. They were not makling the playoffs this season and now they add another top pick to the pool. If he trades Roloson and Wiznewski or Eaton at the deadline we can get more pieces of the puzzle. I have to thing this way or I would have droven my car into Lake Ronkonkoma already…
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PotvinRocks says:
There are some possible gems if they don’t Josh Bailey them. It’s pretty hard to argue with these top 6 prospects. They are all legit NHLers. I like David Ullstrum’s game and I could easily see him as being the 2nd most valuable on this list. He needs 2 years of seasoning at Bridgeport. Hoping to see Matt Donovan work out. I liked him last year at WJC. I think he should go to Bridgeport next season.
Tavares looks fustrated beyond belief. Everytime he skates off the ice he looks up like he can believe that he is stuck here. I think that he is trying to do to much. They should play him with Schremp, so that he has someone who can and likes to handle the puck on his line. I know Schremp isn’t a winger but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind playing the wing on the top line. Why would the keep a line together (PAP, JT, MM) that isn’t winning or producing over the past 20 games? Baffling. -
rich says:
It doesn’t matter who they draft. The isles do not seem to be able to properly develop their prospects. Wang has to stop running this franchise like he is on a school austerity budget
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nolaislanders says:
How do you support this team without supportinng wang and snow.what is a fan soppose to do
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Daryl says:
Ok, so look forward to an at worst #2 overall in 2011 if our ping pong ball bounces badly, and another top 5 in 2012 since we will still suck with all the current prospects so far away? So for the 2013 season we should be able to compete for a playoff spot.
Damn, that is really depressing.
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James says:
Gonna jump around here but… I’m still worried about de Haan’s size… I’ll be curious to see if Hamonic can provide any offense– I see him potentially being a Bryan McCabe type… I’d love it if Kabanov would grow up and put it all together; there was a time he was considered 2nd-best in the draft behind Hall… I’ve Anders Lee is having a great year; would be nice to see him raise his upside beyond that of 3rd line forward… from Joensuu on down, guys starting to fade from the pack, though I’d like to see more of Kessel, Clark, and Gregoire… Aaron Ness: what happened?
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terry says:
Pitt drafted Crosby&Malkin chi drafted Kane&Towes Wash drafted Ovie&Backstrom the Isles drafted JT,JB,KO i see a big difference in ability with the drafts those other teams were impressive Isles not that impressive that is why those teams r good now
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Blizzard says: Nino!!!! Well the Islanders have won one game since sending him to juniors….lol. Its good tho for him not to be around this mess. Wonder who we will drfat this year at number 1.
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IslanderFAN says:
Kevin Poulin keeps to impress…his stats in Bridgeport: in 10 games hes 7-3 with GAA of 2.09 and save% of .934, Koskinen has GAA over 3.00
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The bright side? Good thing management isn’t encouraging us to “go green” by switching our bags from paper to plastic.
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JD says:
Thanks for this post CB. Completely agree with #15. The only thing that keeps me interested (and sane) watching this team is that we do have prospects and with another high draft pick, the future looks a little better. It can’t get any worse right. Wiz and Roli hopefully can bring 2nd round picks which can be converted into late or mid 1st rounders at the draft. Maybe Garth can get creative and get multiple lottery picks. But none of this means anything if the team is relocated. Thats what any diehard fan is concerned about.
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Nyles says:
Bottom line… Snow needs to be shown the door. If I hear him say one more time that they have talented kids on this team, I’m gonna puke. The Islanders have FIVE wins after two and a half months of hockey. That’s disgraceful. Clearly changing coaches didn’t work, so now it’s time for Wang to clear out the front office. If he doesn’t fans, will never return to support the Islanders; new building or not.
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Bob E. says:
Finally a postive article. We have a future. Lets hope Isles still on LI for us fans to see.
KO couldnt come back fast enough. PA Parenteau might be one of the worst NHL players i have ever seen in my life. How two coaches have kept him on top line is mind boggling. -
cgs878 says:
I fell asleep a few times during the game last night… it just never got better for the Islanders.
As far as prospects, we have to hope that none of those first 10 guys get injured during their rise to the NHL ranks. They all seem to have excellent potential for making the 2014-15 Islanders a really good team. Wouldn’t it be ironic if that final season for the Islanders at NVMC is a Stanley Cup winning one?? -
Original Rob says:
“If they function like a major league sprts franchise should” – as we all know, that’s a BIG if!
I wonder who the director of scouting, E from Entourage, has his eye on right now?
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RichM says:
Josh Bailey….potential 2nd line center??? Really?
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Russel Ginart says:
As I read this list I could not help but to come with this observation:
The Isles have a lot of 2nd & 3rd tier players on this list and only three top first line prospects.
That in itself says a lot about what we may see on the ice in the future. Draw your own conclusions from this.ONE first line wing (Niiederreiter)
TWO top D-men (Hamonic and de Haan)The rest of this list: is filled with TWELVE 2nd, 3rd and 4th line players, which does not include goalies.
It seems to me the team may have to look into free agency a lot more than they already do.
Since the WangSnow don’t bother much with FA then we may have to wait a whole lot before we see a competitive team on the ice. -
Y2G says:
4 is right. It would be nice to have a comparison b/w the isles and the rest of the league. Looking at the hockey news rankings there were at least 6 oilers in the top 50. It’s a good thing that we have 2 excellent prospects in goal. I completely disagree that Bailey is a top 6, in my eyes he’s a third line C at best. I do believe however that this team has two viable options: 1) draft Karlson, (the Swedish Pronger) and along w/ Poulin and Koskinen build the team from the crease out or 2) pick Nugent-Hopkins as a kid who could create space for JT or pick Courterier and essentially have him become what Bailey should have been and then some. The 2nd option would definitely require bringing in strong veteran leadership which scares me. Also looking optimistically, there’s no reason why KO isn’t the next Iginla, he can score 40+.
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25yearfan says:
Future’s so bright we gotta wear shades….
Seriously – even with the james cameron / irwin allen level (pick your decade) epic disaster that is this season, I still believe.
CB – what did you mean about Santa?
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#12 (exileskimsurf96) & #15 (rpchief):
Finally found 2 more Islander fans more positive and (blindly) optimistic than me
Problem is I’m broken and beaten down; I’ll never stop watching/rooting for this team, never stop supporting, and never stop loving them-
But………
I really no longer believe- this current reality is worse than my worst nightmare.
This low is so low; I can’t even imagine a 2 game winning streak let alone playoffs by 2012, or being a legit contender……
I’m fearful a more negative post like #14 (Brian) may be right, hope not-but he may have nailed our grim present and future.
Again I’ve always seen the positive value and upside of this team, its prospects, its future, and all of its players. Hell I can even spin a positive outlook on DP, Weight, Sim (yes Jon Sim) & most others.
But now I’m disillusioned by all of it…
To the point when I read such comments (#12,#15) and I laugh out loud and say “you’re totally crazy”, instead of imagining for a second that you could (hopefully) be right………
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ClarkGillies says:
RPchiefs “Snow knows what he is doing ” you have to be someone from the fron toffice , no one in their right mind would make that comment. Snow has to go and a real GM who is not the Crazy Emperor’s puppet needs to come in and right this ship. How can we not have a scouting department ? Garth fire yourself, have some respect for the game.
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dave says:
No. 14: How is 23 points in 22 games not a point per game? Seems to me like you need to tune up your math skills.
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sean says:
How do you support a franchise that isn’t sure if They will be here after 2015. Build a team to win in some other location, ok yeah
Sure. I hate Nassau county and Its bull. I hope all the politicians pay for what happens after 2015. Wang is a selfish idiot. -
4theisles says:
This is the acquisition we really need. Can’t skate, check, pass, carry the puck, or score. But could last 30+ seasons, and would retain old players and attract new ones. The answer a new Arena!!!
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Tim F. says:
I can’t believe Cody Rosen didn’t make this list.
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sign guy says:
Travis Homonic has been very solid and only gets better each game. A good example of what to expect up the road.
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EAF says:
by the time these guys are NHL ready there will be no more NY Islanders. Don’t fool yourself people. Wang is just buying time until the lease expires.
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Dan says:
Does anyone remember the Flyers in 2006-07? I am not saying that the Isles are loaded with the talent that team had but it was a forgetable season for the Flyers much like this year is for the Isles. This teams biggest opponent is themselves and once they start doing the little things right such as playing 60 mins of hockey, no bad penalties, playing smart etc. they will win a game or two.
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bayduvinislander says:
I’d love to see Poulin this year, Patrick Roy called him the best Goalie in the Q last year and from what he’s proved in Bridgeport and with the Isles incredibly weak net-minding this year he definitely deserves the shot. Why wait? There is nothing left to lose.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
@Dan, 34
The next season the Flyers dressed the following forwards: Richards, Carter, Gagne, Briere, Umberger, Lupul, Hartnell, Kuble, Upshall, Kapanen, Downie, Prospal.
Something tells me the 2011-12 Isles won’t quite match that group.
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We have a decent amount of young talent on this team, with another one on the way. The issue is not with the players, it is with the people guiding them. It is the owners responsibility to hire solid hockey people to run the organization. Grade:F-. I’m not sure about Garth. I think he considers himself lucky to be the G.M in this league, so he is basically a W.P. (Wang Puppet). If Garth was allowed to spend money, he would probably do a decent job. I just don’t think Wang can stand anyone who is smarter than him. So no matter who the Isles trade for or draft, the losing culture will continue because this team does not surround itself with N.H.L. caliber personnel. These are just kids, without proper management, coaching, training, etc., this team will always be an average A.H.L team. I believe Wang knows this, and that is the reason for his silence, he knows we are right. I have been sick to my stomach for weeks now. I loved watching a good Islander game for a little stress release, it was a good outlet at the end of the day.My Doctor said to find another hobby. Thanks, Mr. Wang, first for ruining my team, and now for ruining my health!
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Yay Rebuild says:
It will take a long time for these kids to develop into NHL hockey players if they are goin to do it on their own. With no veteran leadership this rebuild is 5 years away. Can Jack change the lines up y keep the same lines if you don’t score. I’m confused.
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Stumpy32 says:
The concern we all have here is that it will be a never-ending cycle of young players and prospects on the cusp, because as one draft class matures, an older draft class will reach RFA, and we won’t pay to keep them.
The list of prospects is decent, not great, and like many have said, all these teams that sucked for years – the Caps, Pens, Blackhawks, either had strong veteran leadership on the team to speed the development, a generational talent, or both. We have neither, and in the current Wangsnow business model, unlikely that we’ll get it anytime soon.
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Justin Marques says:
Aaron Ness really went from being a highly touted prospect to a dud, huh? Remember when we drafted deHaan and people questioned why we’d do that with Ness in the fold as a solid, puck-moving defenseman?
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isles71 says:
On a positive note, sold my ticket for last nights game, cxld hotel and the money I was going to spend of food, gas & drinks was able to buy a 50″ tv…thanks losing streak!!! The list is nice but means nothing. All the players listed as 2nd/3rd pair Dmen, or 2nd/3rd/4th liners, what I want to know is, who the heck is the Veteren 2nd/3rd dmen are. What all-star winger is gonna play with Kabanov and make him better?? Without a team of atleast 75% proven NHL vets, we will be nothing more than a bunch of Scott Scissions, Brett Lindros, Mike Rupp, Ryan O’Marras, Josh Bailey……..etc.
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Hey people stay positive, all the Islanders need to do over the last 54 games is go 35-9-10 or 40-14-0 !!!!!!!!
95 Points should snag the 8th spot!
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Hope you are right, but the way this organization is run “seeing success on the ice is the only way I will believe it”. I’m thinking Snowy needs to make a coaching change (to an NHL level coach) soon or this team may not get to 10 wins this season. The Isles are playing as individuals rather as a team. They don’t make quick passes to teammates, instead they try to make passes when the opponent is on top of them, rarely do you see a players in front of the net, amazing how many times they miss the net, way to many icing calls, to many blind passes to the other team, on the power play they continue to try to carry the puck into the offensive zone rather then shooting it in and chasing it, and on and on and on. I’ve been a Isles fan from the very beginning and this rates as the worst I’ve ever seen. The best word to describe this organization would be “DYSFUNCTIONAL”.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
PotvinRocks#16: Right idea, but with a tweak: move JT to the LW and keep Schremp @ C, Add KO to the RW when he returns for some corner presence and defensive responsibility.
Joenssu’s upside is 3rd L wing? He can’t skate, can’t score, can’t fight, and worst of all, has size, but doesn’t use it! He’s Brad Isbester lite!
Another guy I’ve seen enough of is Nielsen. Great defensive C? Anybody see that draw against Little? If Schremp/JT & Bailey are 2Cs and Konopka only a 4th liner, we need some size for the last C spot. Enter Ullstrom. Good bye Franz.
Also leaving should be Rolo (although his stock is dropping), (Everybody Beats) The Wiz, and in what will surely evoke havoc on this board, Matty Ice. He and JT are the same guy. Excellent hands and hockey sense, who excel from the circle in, but offer little else..weak on D, can’t create on their own. There’s no room for 2 like this. Also, he’s a UFA and no lock to resign. Move him to a contender looking for a 2nd unit PP wing.
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UIF says:
If Poulin keeps doing what he’s doing, I hope he gets a fair shot with the Isles and isn’t passed over or traded in the name of politics. Hamonic is as advertised. With Nino, let’s not forget he was just 6 days short of being in this upcoming draft, rather than this past one. He’s very young. I hope he was picked with an eye to the future rather than an immediate savior. He has to be developed properly, and it’ll pay off big. The Kirills are exactly what we knew they’d be: wildcards. Hopefully one of them pays off. And I’m really pulling for Cizikas.
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Flabergasted says:
Great news. When all these kids reach the NHL the Isles will be playing in Winnipeg or Beijing. If you want to see them play you’d better stock up on frequent flyer miles.
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StevieL says:
Cb it is hard to get excited about our “potential” players, when most were picked ahead of players who are already playing important minutes in the NHl, Del Zotto, Stepan, Eberle , Myers, Skinner, Fowler, Carlson , Kulikov. etc. I’ll bet we can name at least 20 young NHL players we missed!
Sorry! But Snow showed me nothing with his drafts! Considering the amount of picks we had and the position in the draft we had, I see very little in the way of impact players! Gloss over the picks of Ness, and Trevino in the 2nd rd. of the Bailey year but the first 2 rounds of that draft to me are now a bust!Poulin, Donovan look like the best “value” picks we made!
I too am real concerned that by the time any of these guys are ready, the team will be history. Or worse our young Isles, JT, Okposo, Moulson etc. will be gone!
Future?? What Future? -
The New Isles GM says:
Love the prospect pool. I hope that Garth can use acouple of these guys as trade chips to start building around Tavares and Bailey. Both of those kids can be studs at the center position if we surround them with the right players. I believe keeping guys like Poulin, Nino, Donovan, Mikko, Rhett and a few others will be a smart move down the road, there are others that can be used as trade chips. Rumor has it out there Washington has some interest in obtaining Brodeur for the playoffs. I think that the Islanders would be better off shipping Roloson there for the right player in return. We don’t need another draft pick that we can’t watch for another 5 years (Brock Nelson).
Here’s to another 1st overall pick in 2011. Tavares, you are feeling what Okposo felt just before the Islanders won the lottery to obtain you. Keep your head up.
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Dan says:
This helps to take away some pain. I love our prospects, but I hope the team is still here so we can see these players. Also Garth should not trade any of these top guys for a quick fix. This season is already over, long over. Keep up the great drafting.
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HockeyFutures has a more than slightly different view of our prospects. It ain’t all that good either.
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Adam says:
How about the game MacDonald had last night? Jeez, we need more kids to pan out like he is. He was flying, best player on the ice.
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bossy22 says:
Names, names, names. That is all we have. Tavares and Bailey have taken a step backwards this year and if things keep going down the same path, not only will they not get better, they won’t sign back here. Why would they? Until this organization becomes professional on all levels, the drafts will have been a waste as these players will excercise their rights and leave at the first chance. Disgraceful, embarrassing are 2 words that best describe the New York Islanders right now.
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dsb says:
hockey futures doesnt count bailey tavares okposo because they are on our team
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IslesRock says:
Chris, I think every team has a nice list of prospects. Nothing really special on our list. With Garth and Wang at the helm, this team will continue to stink. I think at this point Hamonic has to be the number one prospect hands down. One of the bigger busts so far is 2nd round pick, Corey Trivino.
On a seperate note, I think you are showing a great deal of class not ripping into Wang and Snow.
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claude says:
It’s gotten to the point where I’m justing laughing at the screen.
I love the way JT will stare and shake his head up at the jumbo tron everytime he gets a shot on goal and stoppage.Like he can’t believe he didn’t score. I can’t see how this guy was first overall. Crosby and Ovie dominated as sophmores, raising the level of team play. This guy just looks lost out there. -
Angelos says:
Finally a prospect list that ranks Joensuu as low as I do. I just don’t see the mix of skill and hustle needed to be a top 6 forward. Unfortunately I don’t see the intangibles to be bottom 6, either. Career AHLer.
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CM says:
Prospects?? Like predicting the stock market. Every team has it and uses it to sell the team. Right now the product is beyond horrible. Wang is completely at fault. A new coach should have been hired by now. Any GM would have done this. It would at least go as far as saying we want to win. Letting Capuano coach is an insult to players and fans. Snow has no dignity left and players have lost complete confidence in the coach, GM and owner. Players are too young and too impressionable and do not have enough life experiences to understand the business of sports. Do not say they do b/c all they are every told is to just play the game. Unless the player is over 30 yrs, maybe I’ll them the life experiences part. Guess what they are way too distracted by the circus of their employers.
Unless owner speaks up, it does not matter what a player says, what fans/media think should happen and what type of prospects we have. -
it takes time guys. malkin 2004 draft crosby 2005 draft stanley cup finalist 2008 cup winners 2009. blackhawks toews 2006 draft kane 2007 draft stanley cup winners 2010. isles tavares 2009 draft 2011 draft ? nugent hopkins/courterier. we have to hope that #1 pick next year compliments tavares very well. next years top 2 lines should be okposo tavares #1 pick nino bailey moulson. only 2 of those players are playing for us right now. with addition of a few vets and some good health next year we should be aplayoff team. dont forget in crosbys first year they added palffy and 3 or 4 solid vets and ended up with 59 points and #2 overall pick and got staal. tavares is definitely not crosby but tavares/courterier could definitely be kane/toews but MANAGEMENT HAS TO DO THE RIGHT THING!!!
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ODG says:
CB, thanks for the post…gives us hope for the future and I appreciate how you worked your contacts for their insight. Looks like Snow will have the last laugh on us next year. How about this lineup next year:
First Line: Bailey with Tavares and KO on wings
Second Line: Couturier with Nino and Moulson (free agent signing) on the wings
Third Line: Franz with Grabner and Petrov (buyout)
fourth Line: Konopka with Martin and Joensuu (Trevor when needed)
Defense: Streit, Hillen, Hamonic, Calvin, MacDonald Jurcina (free agent signing). Depth Eaton and Mottau.
Goalies: DP and Poulin
Bridgeport Depth: Kabanov, Trevino, Ullstrom, Katic, Kohn, Reese, Colliton, Rakhasni, Cizikas and Gregoire
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Ari From Long Island says:
who cares about any of this??? Until Wang is gone, this team will be last place EVERY year!!!! Im tired of hearing about drafts and prospects!!! Just a NEW OWNER would be all we need for now!!
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Al L says:
Been there,done that with these lists. By themselves they appear promising. Set a columnar sheet,comparing and constrasting the other 29 teams prospects and you’re brought back into perspective. Every other team in the League has lists with glowing reports. More importantly,until this Organization is run with care and professionalism,displaying accountability and courtesy to their fanbase,I only can see continuous failure and no development of youngsters. Lest not forget,with an owner who shows no respect,nor intentions,how certain can we be these kids even if competing on an NHL level will be doing so in the greater NYC metropolitan area. The passion is gone! Worse yet,so has the trust!
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#69 ODG!! Garth is that you??? ODG stands for “Outstanding Drafting Garth?? doesn’t it!:)
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Problem is, you can’t count on Tavares as the focus of the rebuilding. He will be gone long before any of their “prospects” develop. Some team (Toronto) will take a chance on him when he becomes a free agent, and he’ll be a bust there too.
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hoser14 says:
While the future looks somewhat bright, the present looks like one big fat black hole of cesspool material.
What happen to d-man Blake Kessel?
But then again, what good is drafting young talent and surrounding them with the veteran leadership of Jon Sim and B.O. Crapenteau (good GOD he sucks). I rather have Dean McAmmond Jed Ortmeyer, at least they are real NHL players.
The only thing missing from last night’s game was Mariusz Czerkawski and the Fishstick’s jersey. They looked more like the Bridgeport Soundtigers than the New York Islanders (both the coach and the players).
This might be the worst non-expansion team in modern sports history and all that the backup goalie-turned GM is concerned about is banning Chris Botta for being critical of the canning Flash Gordon. Hey Garth buddy, it’s not Gordon to blame for this disgrace, its the guy in the mirror and his boss.
I’m one angry season ticket holder who’s waiting for a long holdout come 2012 and hoping that it lasts two years so our prospects can mature…..
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@IslesRock, 64
You are so right about every team having a nice list of prospects. Some are fotunate and have a generational talent like Crosby or Toews or Doughty who can step right in and domiante. Successful teams add a prospect or two per season to an existing lineup. They do not make up their entire top-6 up front and top-4 on the blueline. I’ll never unerstand when fans are projecting line-ups 3 years down the road and it’s nothing but kids. As if every prospect is going to hit.@ODG, 69
That team would be fighting for first – The first pick in the 2012 draft. -
j.branny says:
Good work CB. Fair and balanced with a lot of good research. Not too hard on the Islanders. Maybe sometime soon they will let you back into the building.
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no question, our prospects are fantastic in my opinion its just scary that they are 2-3 years away from joining, yet alone make impact.
Im very excited about Nino. I thought he was better than half the isles current roster this year. Dont forget that we were winning when he was on team. That tells you something.
JT, Bailey, KO, Hamonic, DeHaan and nice suprise in Poulin and you got roster of great NHLers.
Add Zach Parise on that top line and we might wont be having these discussions about drafts before christmas.
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eric says:
Chris,
While I agree with you that many teams have succeeded in older buildings and as fan we should look toward brighter days with the prospects it is my opinion that the manner in which the management operates this team from the top down in every capacity is dysfunctional. This is the reality of present day and cannot be ignored. This and this alone MUST be addressed, improved upon etc…before real progress can be made with the on ice product. Although many are tired of hearing that no one wants to play here the reality of the management situation is one of the large contributing factors to the team’s present day situation and must be addressed.
Thank you.
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Petey Pete says:
Man, it’s been a while to read something *relatively* good about the Isles. Amidst all the doom-and-gloom the org has dumped on this fanbase, it’s good to see a realistic take on our future, even if it’s not all pie-in-the-sky. Thanks for the update, CB.
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Hock says:
Don’t forget how much the injuries have hurt the team’s progress this year. I was really looking forward to seeing a stronger, faster and hopefully a sharper shooting Okposo (paired up with Tavares and Moulson). Not saying he alone would have prevented what happened this year, but his battle level is a something we have been sorely missing.
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15Cyclones says:
Problem as I see it this will be a merry go round of young talent in & out. KO, Tavares and Bailey will bolt as soon as they get a chance due to what we are experiencing now with Management not doing anything to improve…
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jeff says:
No one on this list, or on the NHL current roster, projects out to be an elite talent. Bad news, as you don’t win in this league without elite talent.
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LouD says:
Sorry to be negative but this is what we’re relying on, “if they function like a major league sports franchise should. Let Charles Wang and the real estate people handle the real estate. Stop with the self-fulfilling prophecy of, “No free agent will sign here” while trying to sign free agents.” There is about a 5% chance that Wang cares enough to realize he’s actually hurting this hockey team by being involved in personnel decisions. From what we have been shown so far I see nothing that tells me Wang will turn this around, absolutely nothing. Therefore I have no faith and lost interest in this team weeks ago.
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#82 is correct… these prospects and CORE players will be meaningless in the rebuild if Ownership cannot keep them together. This seems unlikely, difficult or even impossible to accomplish before 2015.
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Watched BU play @ RPI on Sat. Took me until 2nd period to notice that Trivino was even on the ice. Shortly after that I buried my head in my hands in realization that he was an Islander high round draft pick.
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Eric says:
Just keep Tavares and the young players happy and develope them properly unlike with Bailey. This should have been Bailey’s ROOKIE season. Also no reason for Nino to play next year. Bobby Ryan a power forward spend 2 years in juniors and he was the #2 overall pick behind Crosby! So if he can do it, so can Nino and why rush him if he’s just not ready. It doesnt mean hes a bad player or wont be a 1st liner down the road. All it means is that he isnt ready. De Haan is going to be a stud. The few times I’ve seen him, hes impressed me. Great skater, great on the power play, and can score from the point. Like I said he looks great on the PP which is wonderful to see. My concern is not keeping Tavares happy. He would be a 70 point player on ANY team in the nhl this season. He might not crack 50 on the islanders while he had 54 last season and hes better than this year. I am sure he has people chirping in his ear telling him all this, not that he cant figure it out on his own. With all the Tavares hype including draft night, getting the front page of espn after getting him, and you can surround him with ANY veteran help/talent? Islanders better help him out next season or I do not blame him for leaving. This cant go on. I think Tavares can be a point per game player but his talent and career is being wasted and he will know it soon enough. Another first overall pick in Rick Nash has only made the playoffs once in 8 seasons but he has never dealt with anything like this.
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James C says:
I find myself rapidly reaching the point, and I’m not alone in this, where I’m not worried so much with who the prospects and drafts are but more worried with who is there to develop them. There is a losing aura surrounding this franchise and bringing players up to send back down is spreading the contaminant.
Would Zach Parise have developed so wonderfully in the New York Islanders system? You have to wonder.
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Phil says:
Seriously Botta, building through the draft only will not work. Snow is no trade master, and there is a losing culture here that will not go away. This will not change with Wang as owner. Then there is also a very good possibility that the little talent we have we go sign somewhere else. I hope no one goes to anymore games.
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I have not seen these kids, but if you don’t give them some veteran talent to play with thay won’t develop. JT’s progress as well as Baily & Okposo have been slowed. How can Hamonic gain confidence in this enviroment? We also need a veteran head coach. No knock on Gordon & Camp but they need a respected NHL voice right now.
To Garth. What happen about no more excuses? -
Cold Spring Harbor says:
I don’t know why we didn’t completely dress and use your kid list last night, maybe they would have scored one goal and hit someone. After three + years the fact that Jesse is #15 is quite sad.
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George says:
Yeah, it’s nice to have all these picks but if your owner doesn’t care, the players won’t either, they will just use the Isles to get jobs with stable winning franchises.
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“I’ll never unerstand when fans are projecting line-ups 3 years down the road and it’s nothing but kids. As if every prospect is going to hit.”
Exactly, it is all a waste of time.
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Jim Clark says: How much of a difference is there for a “top 6 forward” or “3rd line defenceman” on the Red Wings versus one on the Islanders. Bruno Gervais can be described as a “3rd line defenceman”, right?
I’m going to take a nap. Wake me when it’s 2013 and our crop of youngsters has matured.
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Ryan says:
Thanks Chris, for giving us something to hopefully look forward too…this has to stop sometime no???
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The Mick says:
Like the rankings and hopefully the guys at the top develop into bonafide first line / first pair players. Tavares seems to be the guy we thought he was going to be when we drafted him and we saw flashes of Bailey’s potential with the way he started the season this year. I just hope Poulin can become a legit #1 netminder. With him, Tavares, Neiderreiter, Hamonic, de Haan, Bailey, Okposo and the #1 or #2 overall pick this year a nice core is developing.
I have to admit, as die hard of a fan as I am. I can’t bring myself to watch the games this year. Just too depressing.
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Rich 55 says:
The best thing about this prospect pool is that there are many more of them today than at any point during the past 20 or so years. Remember that these guys will compete against each other for jobs. A projected 3rd or 4th liner will become a 1st liner and a top guy will bust. That’s the way it always is. Let’s hope the job competition gives us solid NHL’ers.
Today there are too many puppies peeeing on the carpet with no older alpha to show them the way. The biggest thing we lost with MS & KO’s injuries is LEADERSHIP.
Arena news will completely change the attitude of at least the fans who rightly so are reluctant to spend on the vague promise that Isles are here to stay.
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Ari, #71 – words of wisdom. the only thing that saves the Islanders is the new owner. Nothing else.
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Matt says:
Garth is a lousy communicator, horrible to the fans of the Islanders and if that isn’t enough way overrated as a talent evaluator (if that is possible on a 5-win team). I know the draft is a crap shoot — but, let’s not give Mr. Snow to big a pat on the back:
2010 — I love Nino, but would we be better with Skinner? Burmistrov? Fowler?
2009 — I love JT, but would we be better with Duschene? Hedman? Kane?
2008 — I love Bails, but would we be better with Schenn?, Wilson? Myers? Del Zotto?
2007 — Even though we didn’t have 1st round due to Smyth deal…We drafted Katic (who I may love) and Kessel (him to), but wouldn’t we be better if we took guys like Gunnarson? Jamie Benn?
Fact is this:
Pennypinching ownership + mediocre drafting + lousy arena = 20 out of 21Ls and a bleak future for the francise.
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ISLES-FAN-IN-MTL says:
Can somebody awake me when this NIGHTMARE is finish.
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Ethan K says:
Really like Casey Cizikas this year. He’s doing well offensively, defensively, wins big faceoffs, finishes checks, and he’s leading one of the best CHL teams this year.
Would love to see Kabanov step it up a notch. Donovan and Anders Lee are nice surprises and great scouting.
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WM says:
CB, thanks for the work and research you put into this; however, the Islanders will also need a bonafide veteran that plays with fire and determination to lead this promising group of kids. Someone like an Iginla, for example.
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Mike A. says:
These prospects that you listed Chris are not going to help the big club anytime in the near future. Please, do not hype the Islanders and their top draft pick. Next year is a wash too. This team needs to be euthanized or moved.
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Isles fan says:
On the bright side, right now it won’t cost us that much in the next couple of years to re-sign all of the young “talent”, since nobody looks that good.
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Reality! says:
It doesnt matter how many prospects we have in the system if there is no way for them to develop properly. Look at this season, its a GIANT step backwards. These kids are getting nowhere. In fact, some look like they’re regressing. Nothing was done about it over the summer and nothing is being done now. Nothing will be done in the future either. Fact is, these kids and the prospects of the future are going to be left to flounder if the current regime remains. Say for instance the way things are remains until 2015, these kids will either be A)gone or B)so far behind the curve that we’ll be starting a new “rebuild.” Seriously, think about. Dont sugarcoat anything, dont fall for all the misdirection, etc. Sit down and really think about whats going on and where we are, and you’ll see the reality of the situation. This front office is full of BS. Bottom line is that Wang is in serious financial trouble (do some research if you dont know the facts)and that my friends is why we are where we are. The ONLY thing that saves (honestly, it may even be too late) is being sold, BOTTOM LINE!
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beatlebailey says:
In the spirit of the holiday season I am no longer commenting on individual games as the season is over. I am letting go of all the anger, bitterness and frustration I had toward the current team/management. Just think you can tell your family ( colleagues, fellow inmates etc.) someday that you witnessed the absolute worst team in NHL history.
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Michael says:
CB – You do a great job with the site but something keeps bugging me…Why no criticism of Wang? I would think almost every Isles fan knows his horrible decisions are the main reason we are in this mess, yet not much negative stuff about him from you?
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I have been following the story of Anders Lee (via internet) since he decided to focus 100% on hockey – the kid is big, strong, talented in many sports, was ridiculously good in football (QB). As an overage freshman (played in USHL), he’s tearing it up at Notre Dame — I expect him to be a significant surprise on the upside — look for him to leave ND in his junior year / compete for NYI roster position in 2013, establish himself in the top 6, playing consistently with his Minnesota cousin, KO. (No pressure.)
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RA says:
Thanks for the list CB. This is quite a deep, healthy list of prospects. I just wish we had more talent on the big club!
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booten says:
Wang (in one way or another) has and will continue to let Snow run this team into the ground making it as easy as possible to re-locate when the lease is up. Does anyone think all those factors CB mentioned (besides the injuries) are a coincidence? Our owner is clearly showing disinterest in his team, and quite understandably so after a decade of trash. A mere year ago I was a believer but now it’s hard to keep denying.
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“On the bright side, right now it won’t cost us that much in the next couple of years to re-sign all of the young “talent”, since nobody looks that good.”
hahaha great comment, BTW
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Dr Phil says:
From this group I see only Niederreiter, Petrov, and Poulin ever making a big impact on this team, and that’s not enough to say for the last number of drafts. A bunch of small D-men and fouth line forwards? Say hello to the Tin Man for me!
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David says:
@34 Russel Ginart: Add Tavares + prospect picked this year and you’ll have an entire first line..
Great article by the way Chris.
Do we really know Fowler or Skinner will be better players than Nino. Not sure. Looking forward to see Nino in WJC later this month. Watched Adam Larsson yesterday in Swedens final camp. Looked solid.
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Billy the Kid says:
Pretty good projections CB.
The one I think you under rated is Gregiore. He is still a junior at UND but can skate and has a terrific shot and nose for the net. 2nd line wing.
Anders Lee I agree is still raw but a frosh and has top six power forward potential.
I have seen a lot of both these young forwards and am very happy with them and impressed by their ability. -
This was great, I needed an uplift. I can def. feel good about a few of these prospects. I’m really curious to see which will make for good trade bait.
I’m hoping not Poulin who is making me more and more eager to see him.Can’t wait for Nino, CDH, and I’m already a fan of Hamonic.
As for the beginning of the post…when you look at everything that has gone down, Snow and Wang deserve every bit of miserable failure right now. They never put this team in a position to succeed. There has been some bad luck, but PROFESSIONAL organizations handle things and avoid disasters.
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Kai says:
A welcome distraction form the depressive results this season. Much appreciated!
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Oncesince1940 says:
Goring last nite said that Tavares was great in the juniors AND minors. Are our best announcer prospects at Hofstra?
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Now What? says:
None of these players will be surrounded by Good vets. So it doesn’t really matter. There is NO commitment to winning here.
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admin says:
Please keep Comments to the topic of the post. Thank you…CB
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Jim M says:
Chris – first-time, long-time…enjoy the blog and appreciate your efforts.
I’ve been an Islander fan since ’75, was at the game with my father (in last row) when Nystrom deflected the puck into the net creating pure joy and bedlam simultaneously, and I went with friends to all four parades down Hempstead Turnpike of all places.
I purchased season tickets last season because I wanted to watch this team grow from the bottom up much like I did 25 years ago…and to do so with my nephew.
Last season was enjoyable and offered promise for the future, and although I did not forsee the incredible frustration that everyone connected to the team is enduring this season – I am not overwhelmingly discouraged. When I’m at the games I watch the Islanders knowing that half the roster will turn over in the next two years, probably with as many as 6-7 of the players on your prospect list in addition to the pick coming this June. I mostly watch the play of Tavares(who doesnt stop working), Bailey, Moulson, Nielsen, Martin (who has some skill and fights like he means it), McDonald and now Hamonic (think I’m gonna love his game). If they can somehow add a couple of quality veterans to that mix I believe they will be on their way.
Sure, Wang and Snow have earned some critcism, but I’m reserving judgment until I see what these young players are going to be about. Two years from now the roster will be full of young players like the team of the mid to late 70s..and that turned out pretty well (I have a hunch that maturation process was not witnessed by many of the bloggers here). Throw in an improving economy in next year or two and there may be a different tone surrounding the idea of a new arena as well. Hey..I’m an optimist.
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Word says:
Love what I see from Anders Lee, hoping for higher upside.
As for comparing these guys to other teams prospects, most rankings omit Tavares/Bailey/etc. so that is why we aren’t as high when compared to the rest of the league whose franchise rankings include Rd 1 picks from those years…
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Irish Isle says:
I like our top 5 prospects. The big thing will be to not to rush them. Somehow not too confident the Isles wont be guilty of that.
Also any idead if Petrov comes over in 2011 or 2012?
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shlo says:
On paper it looks promissing. But with this management, take the Russian national team put Islanders uniform on them and they’ll promply suck.
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Re-looking at the “prospect list” and then the Islanders Team website, I see we are on the verge of NHL .500 since inception (1288-1287-413), so now I know we are right back where we started, 1972/73.
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Matthew Dillner says:
Thanks for posting this CB. Very good timing as many of us in the fan-world are down in the dumps.
Comment 124 mentioned it’s like 72-73 again. I don’t agree. I commend this organization for not considering trading away it’s future, as we have with too many players over the last 20 years. YES…we need a free agent offensive powerhouse to help this club develop and become a winner. BUT… as Snow says, NOT at the expense of the future.
Rebuilds are slow and often pathetic. This recent stretch is proof. With players coming back from injury and a well thought out, timely free agent move (or trade)… this team will improve considerably. Its hard to see now but they are all learning important lessons. NOBODY likes losing. This horrible taste in there mouth, if coached properly, can be an asset used as motivation once the ship turns around.
-MD
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Pete says:
Your assesment of our prosepects is with the rosiest glasses imaginable. The top 4 are NHL players, but to call them first liners is not accurate. The rest of the list is a bunch of hopefuls. If we are putting al our eggs in “the future” maybe we should invest in some talent evaluators. Our drafting has been average at best since Garth took over. Okposo was the best pick and he was on someone elses watch. bailey is a flop/ruined by inept planning; tavares is a cant miss that they are turning into a miss; comeau is a flop; hillen is a flop; Joensu is a flop; bergy/tambellini/(insert next up and coming future star) = FLOP. There has been poor talent evaluation for years here. We cant get a good pick unless it happens to be number one overall which apparently is their stratedgy for this season.
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beattherangers says:
To believe in the draft for next year is to believe in nothing. The Islanders will not draft an impact player to help next year’s team. I am sick of rooting for a bunch of losers who should be playing in the AHL. For 3 straight seasons, this team has been one of the worst. Now, the Islanders are becoming one of the worst teams of all time. They are a bunch of losers. This organization is a disgrace. I am sick of the optimists trying to spin this garbage. Call it like it is.
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TonyD says:
People keep naming all these other players we could have drafted but just don’t realize that once they would have arrived on a team like the NYI they would just be as big of a bust as the players that they think we have now are. With not even a veteran who is good enough to play on most other teams AHL teams how could these young kids develop their potential here. We can’t just throw other guys names around like they would come here and be our savior. Ovechkin would be a bust with Sim & PAP on his line let’s face it.
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jbassman says:
So tired of all this “what if” bs, as if all these prospects are gonna pan out. Possible line combinations for 2,3 years down the road??? Jesus christ. Do we need another legends tribute game to the glory years to brush this s!#tstorm under the rug? Didn’t require a genius this offseason to realize PAPaslooooww and Konopka was not gonna cut it by a LONG shot to help out the offense. The defense is not quite as awful but pretty close. Hammered by injuries certainly doesn’t help matters but there are no excuses. Bottom line, half this team is AHL talent. I’m afraid to watch NHL Overtime for I know it will only be negative bs about the team or primarily NOTHING at all. As previous posters noted, who really gives a damn about these prospects if they wont be given the veteran support to flourish? This could have easily been a possible run for playoff spot this year…now we’re not even an afterthought in the hockey world, just a f’in joke.
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Dom says:
The “prospect” talk is a nice diversion during the current disaster streak, but I’ve said this a thousand times before and EVERYONE needs to understand this: NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS TO THIS FRANCHISE UNTIL THE ARENA ISSUE IS SETTLED.
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Last point….if draft picks are so important, why has the Pittsburgh Pirate, KC Royals and Lions stunk for so long? They get the top picks every yr and never get any better. Notice how bad things became with everything(scouting, talent, drafts, free agents, announcers,etc) since the whole Lighthouse Project talk began…and ended? Wang is the cancer that is ruining the Isles. Until he is cut out, nothing will improve.
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Jerky says:
When many of these prospects are cracking the NHL roster in 3 years, we will be losing some of the current talent as they become UFA’s. That’s not progress. Without bringing in real veteran leadership to complement the youth, a team will only go so far.
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Battfist says:
#1 Travis Hamonic (Put the “C” on him)
#2 Kevin Poulin (Franchise Goalie-I hope)
#3 NinoMy sleeper prospect-
Jason Gregoire (before he was injured)Ive watched a few North Dakota hockey games this year- Gregoire stands out every game I watched, with a high motor. I saw North Dakota play Notre Dame-Anders Lee looked good that game.
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Mike says:
Chris it is a nice spin BUT this franchise is dead PERIOD!
I have been a fan since 1978 I’m done bought a Pens jersey and looking foward to tonights game vs Philly.
This is the WORST sports franchise and since Chuckels isn’t going anywhere it will NEVER get better. Time to move on. -
Nick in NYC says:
Chris,
Great points. The reality is this is the NHL and no team should go 1 for 20 over any period unless your roster consists of a bunch of nobodys, which the Islanders have. The only reason certain players like Moulson stand out is because everyone else is terrible. Hunter, Gervais? These guys don’t belong in the AHL let alone NHL. This team is just a bunch of guys standing around collecting a pay check.
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tond24 says:
what happened to all that arron ness nonsense i read when he was drafted..a high pick thats worthless..awesome…if we cant draft and we cant sign free agents whats the point
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John307rocks says:
Chris,
Mike’s post above me is dead on. It is time to walk away from this garbage. We are not talking about a team that is down on its luck. Prospects are not the answer. The owner who controls the franchise will be deterred. Please stop putting a positive PR spin on a disgrace. I realize this is your background. But, come on. Call it like it is. Prospects are not the answer, and you know it.
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Real NHL fan says:
.. Listen fellow Isle fans its EXTREMELY TOUGH times for Isles fans it really is, theres no way to sugercoat this
.. However taking a step back and looking at the big picture they do have some young good talent in the system, they really do. this is NOT just a hopefull Isle fan this is other respected hockey people, scouts, magzines and commentators! Help is coming
.. In sports ther are alot of young teams that take ‘a step backwards’ before progressing – we see this in the NFL, MLB, NBA, etc it can be part of the process, history has shown this alot!.
.. I know, i know, i know its tough times, but please keep your heads on and have faith. They do need to address a REAL coach and the bldg and adding a Free Agent, but there truly is hope, its just tough to see the hope in these dark times, keep you chin up fellow isle fans
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LES says:
i am going to stay positive , looks like we are getting another 1 draft pick which hopefuly will make us a contender in a few years
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Jon in Bpt says:
Poulin is an amazing find. He came in as a rookie and leaped over Lawson and Koskinen. He has only played 11 games this season and his stats are impressive for a rookie. I really hope the Isles don’t call him up unless he gets a legitimate shot at the number one spot. There is no need for him to be a back up.
He has excellent rebound control, great puck awareness and doesn’t try and over handle the puck (like DP).
They’re killing him with the stupid 3 goalie rotation. Next year Poulin should be 1a on LI.
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Islebethere4u says:
This was a nice change from the usual depressing discussion. Yes we do have a good core of future NHL players. I think we’ve done ok in that regard. Probably get a first or second pick next year as well. Hopefully there is a stud D-man in there somewhere. But there are three things the Isles CAN do starting next year, and I think this would be quite novel for this team…..1) Make a real offer to a restricted free agent that fits…2) make several real offers to free agents that fit….3) Get an NHL coach, staff and front office….4) forget about all rink stuff and moving stuff….
There hasn’t been a good core of vets here in quite a while and it shows. You can’t play with 80% rookies, second and third year players and three vet fringe players. -
People can’t be upset about Skinner performing well for the Canes’. Of the guys we passed on only Fowler and Skinner are having an impact. Remember the debate b/w Connelly and Nino…both will be at WJCs so we will get another chance to assess their progress. Gudbranson hasn’t made an impact either.
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Stella99 says:
CB-
You didn’t specify in your article if the projections were for some of the players to be first line players for the Islanders or if the projections were for a real NHL team (big difference!)
Good read, but I can’t find any reason for optimism with this team. A “rebuild” by most standards doesn’t allow a team to completely forget about the present. By doing so they have created such a stale product that I cannot see any legit free agent signing with this team or any of our “core” players ever resigning.
I hope to be wrong, but I feel that is what ownership wants.
I’m not a betting man, but I’m starting to think I can pick up a second income betting against this team.