With this pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders select ...

1st round, 5^th overall: C  Ryan Strome

At 6-0, 177 pounds, Strome finished last season with 33 and 63 for 106, playing for the Niagara IceDogs, ranking him third in the Ontario Hockey League with an average 1.63 points per game. As written on the Islanders’ website He told Versus after being selected: "I love the colors and I think I'll fit in great there,'' Strome said. "I couldn't be happier right now,” and for good measure, as a real Long Islander, he added, “Vote yes on August 1st.”  He intends to make it a difficult choice for coaches at Islanders camp this fall.

2nd round, 34th overall: D Scott Mayfield

At 6-4, 200 pounds, Mayfield led all Youngstown defensemen in scoring with 7 and 9 for 16 points in 52. He will play at the University of Denver in the fall of 2011.  Playing two seasons in the USHL, Mayfield was a member of the U.S. gold medal winning team at the 2010 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge.  In addition, he was recognized as tournament MVP and made the first all-star team.  His game is that of a solid stay-at-home defenseman

2nd round, 50th overall: C Johan Sundstrom

At 6-2, 200 pounds, Sundstrom was a rookie last season with Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League finishing with 1 and 0 for 1 point. He also played for his country at the 2011 Under-20 World Junior Championships in Buffalo, NY.  His style is that of a playmaking center.  A solid player for the 50^th pick.

3rd round, 63rd overall: D Andrei Pedan

At 6-4, 200 pounds, Pedan finished his rookie campaign in the Ontario Hockey League last season with 7 and 9 for 16pts in 52 games, adding eight assists in six games during the 2011 OHL Playoffs.  He is probably one of the best values taken at this seasons entry draft.  He plays a tough physical defensive style.

4th round, 94th overall: D Robbie Russo – 6-0, 190 pounds,

At 6-0, 190 pounds, Russo has played for the United States development team of the USHL for the past two seasons scoring 3 and 23 for 26 points in 58 games. Russo helped lead Team USA to a gold medal at the 2010 World Under-17 Challenge. He is known for his vision and is considered a puck-moving defenseman

5th round, 125th overall: LW Johan Persson

At 6-2, 200 pounds, Persson led the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL with 33 goals and was ranked fourth on the team with 61 points during his second season. He also recorded 2 and 3 for 5 points in nine 2011 playoff games for Red Deer Persson is a pure goal scorer.  

5th round, 127th overall: D Brenden Kichton

At 5-10, 175 pounds, Kichton played for the Spokane Chiefs scoring an impressive 23 and 58 for 81 points in 64.  he finished  third on his team in scoring and first amongst defensemen. Kichton added and 10 for 11 points in 17 WHL playoff games.  He is a goal scoring defensemen with hockey smarts.
 
7th round, 184th overall: LW Mitchell Theoret

At 6,1, 210 pounds, Theoret, played for the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL.  He scored 11 and 17 for 28 points in 119 games.  It is speculated that his offensive numbers would have been much better if given more minutes.  A low risk project that the Islanders have had success building in their system.

 

Islanders’ note:  Bruno Gervais was traded to Tampa Bay for future considerations.  He may join former Islanders assistant coach Daniel Lacroix, Nate Thompson, Sean Bergenheim, Marc-André Bergeron and Dwane Roloson.  I wonder how he might do?  Good luck Bruno, but it looks like you landed on the right team.