THE ISLANDERS’ TOP TEN PROSPECTS
Presenting our end-of-season scouts’ poll
With less than eight weeks to go before the draft – and with a pair of key kids still playing in the Canadian junior playoffs – the Point Blank 2010-11 Final Prospect Rankings have been completed.
The process was the same as our end-of-2010 rankings.
Polled: Eight NHL scouts not affiliated with the Islanders.
Criteria: All levels of hockey, limited to 20 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.
Since our last rankings, Travis Hamonic and Jesse Joensuu have graduated and low-ranked Robin Figren appears to be heading back home to Sweden for at least one season. Ty Wishart, acquired for Dwayne Roloson, has now played 25 NHL games and is ineligible for this list. Without further adieu…
1. Nino Niederreiter, Portland (WHL) - first line wing. After scoring 41 goals in 55 regular season games, El Nino has been superb in the playoffs. Thanks in large part to Nino’s heroics, Portland will play Kootenay in the WHL Final. Since his only options next season are junior hockey or the NHL, Niederreiter will be an Islander in 2011-12.
SNY video: Portland assistant coach Travis Green
2. Kevin Poulin, Bridgeport (AHL) – No. 1 goaltender. He was outstanding in his one game a week in Bridgeport, and even better in the bulk of his ten games with the Islanders. Will likely start the season in the AHL, perfectly fine considering he is coming back from the second kneecap injury of his career.
3. Calvin de Haan, Oshawa (OHL) – top-pair defenseman. Even his junior coach knows de Haan will be a pro next season. The talented puck-mover belongs in Bridgeport for at least the first half of next season, but will almost certainly see some action with the Islanders depending on the health of the team.
SNY video: Oshawa head coach Chris DePiero
4. Kirill Kabanov, Lewiston (QMJHL) – second line wing. After a very inconsistent regular season, Kabanov lit it up in the QMJHL playoffs (12-8-20 in 15 games). With the Maineiacs, Kabanov is becoming a man. Both the kid and his coaches deserve a lot of credit. This is an extremely positive development for the Islanders.
PB video: Kabanov
5. Matt Donovan, Denver (NCAA) – second pair defenseman. He left Denver feeling like he had nothing else to prove at the collegiate level, but the flashy Donovan needs to upgrade his play in his own end and his strength. Proper development in Bridgeport is crucial for Donovan to become an impact NHLer in a few years.
SNY video: Denver coach George Gwozdecky
6. Brock Nelson, North Dakota (NCAA) - second line center. Needs another two years with the Fighting Sioux, for whom he’ll play big minutes after a solid freshman season. Despite suffering a serious, um, lower-body injury in the NCAA tournament, the Islanders’ 2010 first round pick is doing well and is on schedule.
SNY video: North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol
7. Casey Cizikas, Mississaugua-St. Michael’s (OHL) - third line center. While Niederreiter and Kabanov have deservedly received some Islanders-connected press for their strong playoffs, Cizikas – curiously – has gotten little while leading St. Mike’s in the OHL playoffs. Could it be because he has yet to be signed? Naaaah. More curiously, Team Canada’s versatile center at the WJC didn’t even rate a top-ten mention in The Hockey News’ list of Islanders prospects. (It’s a conspiracy!) Cizikas, who will play in the Memorial Cup with host St. Mike’s, may not have Nelson’s upside, but he’s more of a sure bet to play in the NHL. He’ll be signed after the Memorial Cup.
SNY video: St. Mike’s coach Dave Cameron
8. Kirill Petrov, Yugra (KHL) – second line wing. If just one of the third-round Kirills hits his potential someday down the road in the NHL, consider it a bonus for the slow and steady rebuild. If both do, it’s a friggin’ bonanza. The 6-3 Petrov was a bleh 8-11-19 in 47 games this season after his trade to Yugra. A source told Point Blank that if Petrov plays the fourth and final year of his contract in the KHL, it could be back with Kazan. He should be at Islanders Prospect Camp again this summer.
PB video: Petrov
9. Mikko Koskinen, Bridgeport (AHL) – No. 1 goaltender. As Al Montoya has demonstrated, goaltenders – in this case, a European facing a whole different game in North America – can often take time to develop. The 6-6 Koskinen played impressively in the final month of the season in Bridgeport.
10. Rhett Rakhshani, Bridgeport (AHL) - third line forward. Enjoyed a terrific first season of pro with 24-38-62 in 68 games in Bridgeport. Size (5-10 190) could be a hurdle. Speed and smarts are his assets.
Also receiving consideration:
Anders Nilsson, Lulea (Sweden) – No. 2 goaltender (still unsigned, still untested in North America).
David Ullstrom, Bridgeport (AHL), Anders Lee, Notre Dame (NCAA), Jason Gregoire, North Dakota (NCAA) - third line forwards.
Mark Katic, Bridgeport (AHL), Blake Kessel, New Hampshire (NCAA), Aaron Ness, Minnesota (NCAA) – third pair defensemen.
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By this point, it should probably go without saying that several key current Islanders roster members (Tavares, Hamonic, etc.) were drafted in 2006 or much more recently, so the Islanders possess an exciting combination of prospects and young NHLers. But we said it anyway. Garth Snow has also unearthed a pair of gems – Matt Moulson and Michael Grabner – that have not even reached NHL middle age.
Perhaps best of all for the Country, the Islanders’ fifth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft in June is not on this list. You could probably slot him right now in the No. 2 spot and move everyone else back down a notch. With the new 18-year-old, the Islanders’ prospect depth chart will rank safely among the top-third in the 30-team NHL.
Now it’s on the Islanders organization to develop its talented youngsters and surround them with the right teammates. The odds remain the same: there’s a good chance at least half of the Point Blank Top 10 will not have standout NHL careers. Over the last four seasons, the Islanders have not come close to making the playoffs. A consistent contender is not built on draft picks and prayers.
Comments on Islanders prospects and this list are invited.
74 Responses to THE ISLANDERS’ TOP TEN PROSPECTS
Presenting our end-of-season scouts’ poll
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Oye Comeau Va says:
Amen CB, let’s not screw the pooch with these kids like they did with Bailey.
Always nice to see what real scouts have to say about the prospects and what their potential ceilings are.
I also have noted the lack of recognition Cizikas has been getting. Isles’ lone beat writer has been quick to point out Nino’s and Kirill’s output in the post-season, but nothing about Mississauga’s captain. (head-scratcher)
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Staten Islander says:
I hope they do the right thing and leave some of these guys (Nino, DeHaan) in juniors and Bridgeport another year. Lets mimic Detroit and let them get over ripe.
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corey says: amazing how in just a few years out prospect pool has grown. I remeber a few years ago we had guys like Figren and Smith listed as our top 10 prospects. I am very happy for Kabanov and how his play and atitude has imporved. I have been rooting for him since we drafted him, and now hes is finally playing up to his potential in Juniors.
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Watch Andres Lee to become a very good one. Huge upside.
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shlo says:
There are scouts and than there are SCOUTS…are the scouts you talked to belong to teams with proven and successful drafting?
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Chris R says:
Chris. Where would Corey Trivino be on this list? He’s still a legit prospect.
I’m not sure what you mean, Chris. You may view him as a legit prospect, and he may very well be, but he did not make the top 10 or the honorable mentions…CB
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91NYfan91 says:
Great job CB, its nice to see kabanov is doing very well in the second half of the season. I really have high hopes for kevin poulin, I thought he was outstanding when he was called up for the Isles. Its a shame he got hurt.
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Orange&Blue says:
The future is very bright indeed. Zenon and the Islanders will not have to worry about being NHL doormats for much longer.
I am thinking we are either going to take Couterier, Strome, or the dman Hamilton. Tough choice. Hamilton may be the safest pick. Strome is the risky pick.
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Ari (Not Haanpaa) says:
If proven true, it’s an awfully big asset to have two future number one netminders in the system. Unfortunately, the albatross of the DP contract makes it quite likely that at least one of them will become a star for another NHL team, a la Roberto Luongo. On the bright side, the future looks good, especially if you add another proven piece or two this summer, and continue to draft well. As long as a new arena eventually comes to fruition, a revival of Islanders hockey may not be that far off.
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Ethan K says:
This is a pretty nice top 10 list. Both of the Kirills have huge upsides, but who knows if we’ll get to see that. I was also surprised Anders Lee didn’t crack the top 10. He did very well before his draft year in the USHL, and he had an excellent season at Notre Dame as a freshman. Not to forget that this is the first year he completely focused on hockey. He’s built for the NHL (6’3, 215 lbs), and he’s clearly a great athlete. Excited to see what happens in a couple years. I think the Isles need a big top pair dman like Hamilton from this draft, but Couturier could be there at 5th overall and could be a great pick as well. Time will tell! Let’s get some worthy veterans this year!
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Jmig15 says:
The most important thing to me that you wrote in that thread is-hold on im gonna copy and paste it……Niederreiter will be an Islander in 2011-12.
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nyislanders93 says:
This is a solid top 10 list. Nino, Poulin, and De Haan are definitely the top 3. I disagree with having Mikko Koskinen ahead of Anders Nilsson. Nilsson led the Swedish Elite League in the regular season at the age of 20 with a 1.89 GAA and was 5th with a .920 save percentage. He elevated his game in the playoffs and dominated with a .931 save percentage and 1.96 GAA. Compared to Henrik Lundqvist at that age, Anders has posted stronger stats. Koskinen really hasn’t shown much of why he was drafted 31st overall in 2009.
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Justin says:
What do these guys have to say about UND Forward Jason Gregoire? I saw him play earlier in the year and thought he was outstanding. Way more so than Brock Nelson.
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Steve says:
Great stuff, Chris. Thank you for keeping the hype up until the draft, as I look forward to your draft prospect reviews as well. This is an inspiring group of Isles hopefuls for sure!
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DZLINY says:
Cizikas with 1 G and 2 A tonight in the finals.
Dumb q: why can’t Nino play in the AHL?
Thanks CB.
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Isles14 says:
So happy to hear that Kabanov is straightening out. He was a real question mark in terms of attitude and maturity. On the other hand, very disappointing to see Petrov’s stats. All the early reports on him said he was oozing with talent and should’ve been closer to the top of this list had he been living up to it.
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Word says:
As others have said, I’m shocked that Anders Lee didn’t break the top 10 given his size and beast-like stats at ND. Gotta wonder if these guys are that much better or he’s just that far under the radar….
Other than that, there’s a lot to be excited about.
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Glad to see you gave an honorable mention to Katic, thought he moved and skated very well with the puck when he was called up.
We can score goals, we need more defensive help! Poulin will be a stud and so will NINO! -
Strummer's Army says:
Someone send Seal Team 6 to extract Petrov from Russia.
Big fan of Lee and think he will continue to be better now that hockey is his soul focus.
If Isles can hand PA Parenteau first line and first PP minutes then they can and should do the same for Nino. Not fair for JT & MM to have to drag PA around.
I think the ideal player for Isles at 5 is Hamilton.
CB is right about DeHaan needing AHL time mostly for bulk.
It is right to be excited about what the future holds with guys currently there and on the way.
CB, with Wishart, Donovan, De Haan & Ness all slated for Bridge then doesn’t that kinds spell the end of guys like Kohn and Katic? Don’t Tigers need to add more experience, size, toughness to the D (much like the big club)?
This was an excellent read thanks!
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yes there is certainly some talent there. i agree 100 per cent that you have to develop the talent properly and surround them with the proper pieces. that is what a professionally run franchise does. however with wang and snow running the show, we are not dealing with a professionally run franchise. they ruined bailey who is completely lost and i worry that they will do the same with other prospects not to mention wang is too cheap to surround the kids with the proper talent so they can continue to grow and develop properly. as the isles have proved themselves, its not enough just to have high draft picks, its how you develop them and surround them with the proper talent and on that alone, wang and snow get a grade F.
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gordy lane says:
if each prospect continues to develop to their potential and possibly even beyond that the team will be in good shape.
with JT, KO, Moulson, Frans, Grabner, Nino, Streit, Amac, and Harmonic. Comeau, Martin and Bailey could be future pieces or trade bait although I would love Bailey to have a steady year and be a part of the future. De haan should contribute soon. I really think with a good trade or a good free agent and the existing talent plus the guys in the system we are looking good in the future. -
my favorite articles…
cannot wait for NINO!
ecstatic about Kabanov – keep it up Kirill!!I’m high on Brock as well…but I’m excited to see everyone else too. I like to go back to articles like this when I miss hockey or am in a bad mood in general haha..
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Thanks for the update Chris … I’m always one to knock the prospects down a peg or two … The key to the rebuild is to come out ahead of other teams in the prospect bounty… If other team’s prospects are developing better than the Isles it doesn’t really matter how highly rated they are. As you said CB … It’s ALL on the Isles to develop them into their max potential.
I do agree about on one major aspect of the Isles’ rebuild … They rushed Bailey … I think that was part of Garth’s justification for dropping back in the draft for him. They also have had a history of pushing out prospects before they are truly ready. Hamonic is more a freak of nature … but even he put in two more years of Junior.
I hope who ever they draft this year gets the benefit of at least another year of Junior … preferably two.
Nino may be tearing up the WHL … but he’s not the dominant player of the entire league… He’s a dominant player … sprinkled with other worthy prospects. He’s not “special”… He’ll be barely 19 (just as JT was) … when training camp begins. He’s not JT either … so we can expect growing pains.
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JHD says:
As a guy who has dislocated my knee-caps several times I hate to say it, but I fear Poulin is going to continue with chronic knee-cap issues. Dislocating your knee-cap in warm-ups is not a good sign.
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bossy2219 says:
Hopefully he’ll recover
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James from Swindles says:
The prospect I’m perhaps most intrigued by is Anders Lee. His selection was unheralded and then he sort of came out and tore it up in his frosh year at UND. I’m really curious to see if he can raise his game another level next season.
Not much I disagree with on the list, other than to say– based only on his performance to date– I think Koskinen’s potential upside is a stretch; I need to see more from Rakhshani to believe he’s not a ‘tweener; and I still think the sky could be the limit for Kabanov.
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Bob E says:
thats great new about Kabanov. i was wonder what was going on with him.
Nino no doubt going to be a star. he was bullying around NHLers with his size at 18.
Love the depth in prospects finally. Isles making playoffs next year and Bridgeport winning calder cup would be sweet music to my ears. Is it Sept Yet?
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Definitely need a few key FA signings or a trade to surround our core with the proper talent and vets, and balance out the team.
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RA says:
Thanks again CB. Unfortunately this has become the must read material for an Islander fan to just stay sane. The great news is that this is the strongest, Deepest prospect pool I can ever remember for us. Speed, size and scoring on the wing. depth and diversity at center, puck moving defenseman and stud goalies on the front and back burners. Psyched.
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Chris A says:
What are the chances that one or some of these prospects are mentioned in a potential deadline deal either next year or in the future to help the isles contend for the cup
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brendan says:
robert- saying that Wang is cheap is just plain wrong. Anyone who thinks so is either too young to remember, is senile, or has just plain forgotten just how dark the days of Milstein, Gluckstern, Spano, and others where.
Think back to the summer of 2001- Yashin (laugh at him now, however most Isles fans at the time where begging for the acquisition of an established elite player at that time, and where thrilled when we got him), Peca, Aucoin, Osgood. The man HAS SPENT GENEROUSLY!
That was not a one time opening of the wallet by the way. The Isles offered the following players MORE money than they signed for: Smyth, Drury, Hannan, and just this summer- Hamhuis & Martin.
Wang is not cheap!
Having said that, he is no where near being amongst the best owners. There is a reason why players sign elsewhere for less money. Say what you will for his willingness to spend on the Lighthouse Project, but in the business world if you don’t close the deal, or get the job done, you’re out of a job. Wang has still not resolved the arena issue (I firmly believe the TOH deserves the lion’s share of blame for this fiasco).
Wang obviously has his faults, but he is a huge improvement over the previous decade of ownership fiascoes.
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jamal says:
im pretty glad to see that kabanov is growing up and he is producing on the ice lately
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93 Miracle says:
The Futures So Bright, I got to wear shades. Lets Cizikas be underrated thats fine. People seem to know what kind of heart he has and what he can do so when he does it people can say he came out of no where.
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Jim Clark says: I will print this article and hang it on the refrigerator. I understand and agree with the process of rebuilding. But as the slave who in a Roman Triumph whispered “Remember, you are only a man” in the victorious general’s ear, back in 1999 I was excited about having four first-round picks.
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anthony c says:
Once kabanov packs on some pounds, he will be an absolute beast. From the 2nd round on he just caught fire and became the offense for lewiston. Nino has slowed down a bit after piling up the points for the the 1st couple of rounds, but he too has had a great postseason.
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jeff says:
Im going to go way out there but #26 is spot on…I thought poulin was stellar….But he should be dealt while he still has high prospect value. One more injury and he is unstable and thats the last thing we need in goal. From what I understand its both knees in question…not good for a young kid in that position. I bet the devils would love to have fellow french canadian marty groom him for the top job…..he would be good zack bait….
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I believe our best draft move this year may be trading our first pick for some READY NHL talent. Who that is I don’t know but I think our young talent must have some proven leadership guys to show them the way. Any idea who may be available who is worth the pick?
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The New Isles GM says:
I’m very curious to see how many, if any goalies we draft in this draft. I’m sure the scouting department is doing their job, but maybe there is another Kevin Poulin type goalie waiting somewhere in the 5th round. You can never be to sure but our prospect pool is looking rather deep. Just a matter of time until we see them in an Islanders uniform or traded for an impact player.
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Nawrockstar says:
Great work CB!! Definitely a must need read as I watch roli, bergie, thompson, mab and brewer tear up the nhl playoffs and wonder if next year could be the year for our isles to break postseason bread once again.
It disappoints me that petrov hasn’t developed as we hoped and I remember a while back you mentioned that the longer he stays in the khl the worse off it is for his development. Is there a chance or any talks of somehow buying out his 4th year and having him develop properly at the bridge?
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David81IslesFan says:
Love ranks like these, Brings a lot of credibility when non Islanders scouts have their say.
Could easily add to more prospects to top this year if Garth picks best available at #5 (Couturier/Hamilton/Huberdeau in that order) and trade Nabokov, one of the 2nd round picks plus a later pick to trade up to get another player in the first round. Preferably a winger (Jensen/Biggs/Grimaldi/Catenacci)and get a physical d-man with some offense and skating (Like Hamonic) with the 2nd round pick. Then this team will be among the 10 best teams in the NHL draft wise.
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Battfist says:
Justin-
I agree with you about Jason Gregoire-Now thats a list i like to look at from top to bottom. Future looks bright.
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CB, with Pat Bingham leaving Bport, who is going to be responsible for developing all this great young talent entering Bport at such a crucial stage for this team?
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brian says:
A good chance half of the 10 won’t have standout careers? Do the names Kudroc, Mazei, Biron, Pyatt and Connolly ring a bell? The Isles proclaimed the three D-Man to be anchors for a decade. Pyatt has had a mediocre career. Connolly has had a decent career. There’s a good chance none of the 10 players you mentioned will be standouts, let alone just 5.
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personally i think casey cizikas should be ranked 4th or 5th on our top ten. he had a monster year this year in juniors, 29 goals 35 assists for 64 points in 52 games and was a +43. I watched him play for canada in the wjc and I feel like the kid’s legit going to be on this team in a couple years.
Last season in juniors Cizikas had 25g 37a 62pts in 68 games and was a +32, so this year’s numbers are no fluke.
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mark p says:
Alot of young puck moving D at Bridge….and don’t the Isles need to decide on DeHart? Any chance Ness or Donovan start in ECHL like Amac?
I also wonder if Nillson has moved ahead of Mikko….I was not impressed with Finn.
We must have a strong pool of prospects when one of the top AHL rookies is @ #10 and one of the top NCAA rookies can’t crack the list.
Blake Kessel has been darn good in the NCAA as well.
I would keep our top 5 pick unless we are getting an under 25 year old stud that we can control contractually for a long time. -
Chris says:
Pair Nino and DeHahn with Zack Parise and lock us in to a playoff spot!
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And I dont mean on the same line, before some smart ass tells me that DeHahn is a dman….I mean bring them onboard with the existing talent we already have…
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I saw Cizikas play and I have to say I was very impressed! He had great puck possesion all game, and he was excellent at fishing pucks out of the corner. I am also happy that Kabanov is maturing, since I was not that impressed with him during pre-season. Kid has lots of personality, though. I would love to see him work out as an islander.
On another note: Ex-Isles(Tampa)3—Washington 0. Happy for Bergie, Rollie, and Thompson. I am also glad that J-Cap is staying on as coach, but I hope he takes note: When you are not getting production out of what seems to be a talented player, find a different way to utilize him. Look at Bergenheim! He is a beast for Tampa. I just don’t think we gave him the right situation to succeed. Let’s learn and move on. Who do you think the Isles should draft in June, Chris? -
CM says:
Easy.
Our prospects are no better than the majority of other teams prospects. They all look good where they are now, but the NHL is a different story. Out of our top 10 we’ll be lucky if 2 become regulars in the next few years. -
UIF says:
Hopefully Rakhshani is keeping an eye on Ennis and Gerbe in Buffalo. Those guys are undersized, but speedy, shifty and fearless. It’d be great to see Rakhshani follow in their footsteps, as other than his size, he seems to have the smarts and ability to be an NHLer.
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BooBoo says:
Kabanov is as slick as they come when he wants to be. Nothing a little Ritalin wouldn’t fix.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Impressive mixture for sure, but the missing ingredient is a big, nasty, crease clearer (think Dave Langevin).
Whenever I read about Brock Nelson I think 2nd line, 2-way C. Same terminology was used for Brent Sutter and Scott Scissons. Please, please be more of the former!
Czikas=Mike Sillinger?
I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating. To all of those who bashed Snow for trading for extra picks…we’d have neither of the Kirils!
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Themass says:
I think that the first three are locks but then there is doubt afterwards. Also, Mikko a #1? I haven’t see a goalie in the AHL worse at playing the puck. He needs a lot of work. Hopefully between him and Poulin there’s a top flight guy there
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People have to stop the Trade for Parise talk. Its a pipe dream! Not sure I would even trade 2 defensive prospects like a De Haan to get him either. Either way, its not happening.
Can Cizikas be what Ryan Callahan is for the ranger$? A heart and soul player that is great on the penalty kill, blocks some shots, and can get some points? Callahan is a top 6 forward whole Cizikas is expected to be bottom 6 but that type of player is something that would be GREAT to have. -
I think this is the best Rankings I’ve seen. The Top 8 are Perfect! I would rank Anders Lee #9, Blake Kessel #10, Anders Nilsson #1 Honorable Mention. I understand Anders Lee needs to improve his Skating & he was an older Freshman but this kid is Special. Blake Kessel is a wonderful 2 way DMan that needs to be signed. Nilsson had a 1.99 GAA in the Swedish Elit League; He has to be higher ranked than Koskinen. The #5 overall pick is a Cant Miss Selection w/ 8 Awesome prospects available and the 34th overall pick will give us another Brock Nelson. I think the Sky is the Limit for the Islanders future. And you gotta love the size of our Forwards between Nelson, 2 Kirills, Lee and Ullstrom all between 6’3 & 6’5 & Nino is 6’2 205 Power Forward.
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Billy the Kid says:
Gregoire is definately underrated. Maybe these scouts cover junior mainly, not college hockey and that is why Lee and Gregoire are so underrated. I am not a professional scout but I watched about 12 of Notre Dame games and about 20 of North Dakota, and Lee and Gregoire are legitimate NHL prospects with 2nd line possibilities (Lee because of his NHL body is a 1st line possibility).
Leaving both off the top ten is a mistake on the scouts part as they are both a bit older than the junior players, and they both had very productive seasons on top rated programs. -
Jaymz27 says:
Robert #22 – You continue to kill Garth Snow but lets look at what he has brought in here in the last 3 years with absolutely no budget. In 2008 he brought in Mark Striet who is a legitimate top pair two way defenseman. In 2009 he brought in Matt Moulson who now has two consecutive 30 goal seasons under his belt. In 2010 he brought in Michael Grabner and P. A. Parenteau who scored 35 and 20 goals respectively. He also put together a young nucleus that will be the core of this team for the next decade. I don’t ever remember reading a positive comment from you. Cut Snow some slack. I think he has done a great job with what he has to work with.
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phil c says:
CB – not advocating this but curious given the forward-heavy nature of that list and the likelihood Bailey may get slotted as a third line center next year (and assuming most – like me – still think he can be much better than that): What sort of return would a deal where our main pieces were the 5 overall pick plus bailey get the Isles at the NHL level? Top 4/Top 6 RFA? Just wondering
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nancy says:
What’s so maddening about Bailey is that if the Islanders weren’t so CHEAP they could have spent a whopping two million (heavy sarcasm) signing a UFA to play that year. When I think how good Bailey could be right now, a year more of junior, then the World Juniors … That’s Garth’s fault, totally. Don’t care what Wang’s position was. That’s when you be a man and stand up (like LaFontaine did, and resigned).
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SCLI says:
Seems every time Kirill Petrov’s name is mentioned, he has “ONE” year remaining on his contract!!! Wouldnt surprise me if in 2015 the story still reads, ” Snow looking to buy out final year of Kirill Petrov’s contract! Also, couldnt agree with you more when you say that 50% of these prospects will never make an impression above the AHL. As for our upcoming #5 selection. I really believe someone special is going to FALL into our laps. It’s shaping up to be one of those drafts that will have the so called experts scratching their heads in disbelief. No need to move up in this draft. The top 4 teams are going to hand us a gem.
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How can anyone honestly come out and say that Nilsson is currently a better prospect than Koskinen? Sure you see numbers, but numbers can obscure reality. 99.9% of here have not seen him play outside of WJC and can’t possibly know much about him.
Notice also how rankings tend to reflect closest to arriving in the NHL to furthest. Not saying that a guy like Anders Lee won’t make it, but right now, he is nowhere near the NHL.
SCLI – Petrov signed his current deal with KHL prior to being drafted in 2008. At no point did his deal have one year remaining.
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Reality Check says:
Nancy #61— “Don’t care what Wang’s position was. That’s when you be a man and stand up”….can you explain this???
it makes no sense, wang is the one that signs the checks. what does garth and his “manhood” have to do with charles wang signing a check?
if you asked someone for money and they said no, what exactly would be YOUR master plan to step up and get the money
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Petey Pete says:
Garth Snow really crapped the bed with the drafting of two European Goaltenders Mikko Koskinen and Anders Nilsson with the first picks of the second and third rounds back in 2009.
Those picks made no sense then, and they definitely don’t look good now either. It reminds me of 2003, when Milbury drafted those two questionable Russian wingers in the 2nd round then guys like Shea Weber, David Backes and Clarke MacArthur were taken right after.
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vrinqueens says:
Philly finished last a couple of years drafted youngsters such as Carter, Richards, Giroux and Van Riemsdik to name a few than spent money on the Briers, Prongers, Hartnells, Timonens and Meszeros of the world and become Cup contenders in 2 years, thankfully they don’t have a Lundqvist, Brodeur type goalie. The Isles have the picks but being last in payroll (low 40′s) and when you remove Yashin (4.8) and Witt (1) that puts the on ice payroll in the mid 30′s. how in the world can they compete?
Wang needs to get some UFA’s.. (Ruuto, Dvorek, Ryder, Stuart, Cole, Pitkanen)
come to mind and there are many more. -
They tolled Nabakov’s contract and with Montoya or DiPietro as back ups they’re set in goal, Pitkanen, Bieksa, Salo, Leino, Brewer, Hannan, Eminger and Boynton are availabe veteran D-men who wont break the bank and veteran forwards like Laich, Bradley, Higgins and Gagne are there too.
Mix some of them in with our youngsters!! -
Justin Marques says:
Just a heads up — Keep an eye on David Toews. Now that he left North Dakota and went to play in the CHL, he has significantly approved all around and becoming a legitimate NHL prospect again. Otherwise, great list.
Completely disagree about Toews. As a 20-year-old, he had 48 points in 60 games this season. I’ve yet to speak to a scout who considers him an NHL prospect…CB
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Winning says:
Everybody gets new prospects each draft, teams that arent broke sign college free agents and nhl free agents. That alone puts isles behind 8ball never mind the owner and gm.
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FourCupsin4Yearsnot60 says:
I’m surprised Anders Lee did not make the list. Your right about the press not being given to Cizikas but Anders Lee has been getting a ton of press (well, for an Islander late round pick anyway). His stats seem to show a big upside and his size is good. I’m sure the scouts have seen more of him then I so I defer to them. Its just surprising to me he did not get in the top ten, especially ahead of #9 and 10.
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TimQ says:
Like Kevin H I’m impressed that we are finally seeing some size up front with our prospects, but my concern is that we’re not nearly big (or tough) enough on the back line. We have too many small, puck moving guys in the system and should be using some as chips to go after some dmen with size. We should also use the top 5 pick to try to fill this gap (Dougie Hamilton?)
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Eric C. says:
I played college hockey and I understand everyone being high on Anders Lee but the fact of the matter is that if college hockey wants to move more players to the NHL level then they need to play way more games, that is how players develop. You can’t get a feel for a player when they only play 35-40 games in a season. Plus it is a lot less physical and no fighting allowed compared to major junior. I have watched Lee play and he is a long shot to be a regular in the NHL.
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onesinceforty says:
In lieu of playoff discussions, I LOVE prospect talk! I’m hoping Poulin will be fully healed as I thought he was becoming the real deal.
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That is very interesting Eric C. He has been getting so much press as a out of nowhere high school kid who won the USHL playoff MVP (I think) and then was a rookie sensation at ND. Why do you think he is such a long shot?
I appreciate your point about the shorter season, but I don’t think I agree that the lack of fighting means anything. The NCAA tournament did not seem to lack physicality, but I’ll defer to you about the NCAA regular season.
Sorry, CB, but there is no way that Kootenay is a real place.
Seriously, Devon – that’s all you got? lol…CB