The 2015 NHL Entry Draft, New York Islanders Part 1

So Your New York Islanders were not doing much in the first round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, right?

Garth Snow traded D, Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers for the 16^th and 33^rd picks.  Reinhart was selected 4^th overall in 2012.

With the 16^th overall selection, they chose C, Matthew Barzal.  Barzal is 6’0, 175# and noted as being a highly skilled skater with high end talent and vision that make him a dangerous and dynamically creative player.  Described as “clutch,” his poise with the puck aids his hockey sense and while looking for high percentage passes, utilizes his quick shot.  And is also noted as comfortable jumping in on defense and is a complete two-way player.  Barzal tallied 57 points (12 g, 45 a) in 44 games this past season with the @SeattleTBirds.  The downside could be the question on how Barzal's healed knee will respond moving forward.  This acquisition by Garth Snow is being called a “steal” by many of the broadcast experts, especially after Dougie Hamilton was acquired for the #15, 45 & 52^nd picks.  Reinhart cost the Oilers a #16 & 33rd pick with almost no NHL experience.  Think about that.

The buzz on adding Barzal seems to be positive by many of the experts and adds another offensive dimension to what is becoming a talented offensive squad for New York.  While Reinhart was once thought of as a top end defensive prospect in the organization, he seemed to lack mobility at this point and struggled this season in limited action with the team.  According to a source, they (Islanders) moved a player who may not have had the best attitude behind the scenes in Reinhart.  The additions of Boychuk & Leddy along with system depth helped the Isles pull the trigger on this deal.  With the play of Mayfield definitely affecting Reinhart's time with the Islanders, doing more with his opportunities last Season when called upon in my opinion.  And with Barzal still there at 16, Arthur Staple said the Isles made their move for the guy they wanted. 

What or who is next?

Well, a little later in round 1, Garth Snow traded the 33^rd and 72^nd pick to Tampa Bay for the 28^th selection, choosing LW, Anthony Beauvillier.  Oh, and this is one of the picks that the Rangers traded away in the St. Louis deal.  Even better.

Beauvillier is called a dynamic scoring center with good hockey sense. Though smaller at 5’10, 170#, his speed, skill, and cunning are said to make up for his size.  Beauvillier (42& 52 for 94 pts in 67games with Shawnigian) is noted as a tough & talented puck-handler with good hands who can score and block shots well.  He is also credited as equally efficient in the passing game with good on ice vision.

 

 

So time will tell how much of an impact these two players will have for the Isles, but Snow turned Reinhart into two first round picks in what is being considered the deepest in years.

Rounds 2-7 are up tomorrow.