Swedish
Defender, Rasmus Dahlin is heir apparent for the #1 pick at this year’s NHL
Entry Draft. Dahlin is a solid, all-around NHL ready defender and won’t be
around for the Islanders at the number 11 or 12 pick in the first round when
New York has the option to select some of their future without losing a lot of assets
going out in return. What Lou Lamoreillo and his staff will do next week isn’t known
to anyone but them. The top needs for the Islanders are a premiere NHL
Goaltender and a top pair D-Man. Trades will probably be made and change is
surely coming to next year’s roster for New York. How much this summer’s draft
will play into the future is a discussion for another time. We all knew the
buzz on Mathew Barzal, but few thought he would be the favorite for the Calder
after his rookie season. Will will know Wednesday night after the NHL Awards are announced. While the Isles have a draft party planned on the 22nd,
there is always a chance for the top picks to be flipped in a package. A move
like this can immediately address some of their more pressing needs to compete
for a Stanley Cup by adding veteran players needed to fill holes
heading into next season.
A couple of
days ago, Darren Dreger mentioned That Isles Captain, “(John) Tavares is now
focusing on negotiations with the Islanders on an extension. Daily discussions
last two weeks. A deal could happen quickly, or if negotiations stall, Tavares
still has flexibility to consider options during interview period. Lou
Lamoriello has been speaking with Tavares on a constant basis...sharing his
plan/vision of the Isles moving forward.” The recent rumblings have Isles
country more optimistic on the possibility of J.T. staying home for elite money. Some have even
speculated a possible home-town discount similar to the one Stamkos gave the
Lightning in 2016 at $8.5M over 8 years with a NMC.
Tavares had to
be waiting to see what the Isles new direction would be this summer after years
of unsuccessful gambles and reclamation projects. Adding Belmont and Lou Lamoriello
to the mix are strong reasons to consider staying with the team who drafted him
first overall in 2009. There have been other rumors of J.T. waiting for the new
NHL salary cap to be announced before signing to increase his yield and remain
with the Isles. The Islanders are the only team who could sign him to an 8-year
deal. That deal could be a buy-in with the Isles for the future or a sign and
flip scenario for another team who wants him prior to July 1 to avoid a bidding
war if he chooses not to remain in NY. The future plan will surely change based
on the decision Tavares makes, but the Islanders have an NHL Entry Draft to
attend to this week.
Our New York
Islanders have 8 picks in next weeks Entry Draft at #11, #12, #41, #43, #72, #103,
#134 and #196. If they go the draft route, I’ve compiled a list of players I
could see them going for with their top 2 picks. A first and second round pick were acquired as part
of a package by Garth Snow in Exchange for Travis Hamonic last year, adding to this seasons yield.
Evan Bouchard, D, 6’2, 193# (London,
OHL): Bouchard is
a big, smart, all-around Canadian D-Man who loves to join the rush, carry, pass
and fire the puck. His game has improved and so has his ranking on most-everyone’s
list. His size and durability means he can be a problem for other teams’
skilled players and an anchor on defense for big minutes. His intuition allows
him to anticipate, read and react in all zones and his noted work ethic means
he has a good chance to adapt to the NHL game.
Quinn Hughes, D, 5’10, 170# (University
of Michigan, NCAA): Hughes
is solid with the puck, makes good decisions and could be a very good NHL PP QB
one day. The team USA defender has been called an elite defensive talent with a
balance of speed and hockey IQ whose been known create space in all zones and
set up plays on the rush with his creativity. Hughes also has the ability to
make the opposition pay for their mistakes, in short, a complete defensemen.
Adam Boqvist, D, 5’11, 168# (Brynas Jr,
Sweden): Boqvist
is another gifted Swedish defensemen in this year’s draft. A modern, offensive
D-Man, Boqvist can carry the play with his stick handling and his skating can
create plays and open the ice whether on the rush, moving through the neutral
zone or creating room around the net. His vision and offensive flair makes him
a threat to the opposition, drawing defenders to him and has the tools to
finish offensively.
Ty Smith, D, 5’11, 175# (Spokane, WHL): Smith is a leader on the ice and
did so as Captain for Team Canada’s Gold Medal U18 squad. Smith is known for
his solid skating, insatiable work ethic on and off the ice with an upside that
compares with the best defenders in the 2018 Draft. He has also won WHL First
All-Star and Scholastic Player of the Year honors last season.
Joel Farabee, LW, 5’11, 164# (USNTDP): Seen as a possible top 10 talent,
this gifted LW may slide down due to his smaller size. What the Team USA product,
Farabee doesn’t lack character, work ethic, skating or vision on the ice and the ability to
make things happen. If he’s still available and with some time to develop
in a pro system, he could become a steal for a mid-round first round pick.
Serron Noel, RW, 6’5, 205# (Oshawa,
OHL): Noel is said
to need more development, but has the tools required to be a power forward at
the NHL level. His size and grit will make him a big asset to park in front
of an opposing team’s net and let him finish chances down low.
These are my
best guesses without trading up or down. It’s very possible packages of picks,
prospects and players could be traded next week and the Isles organization could improve
without adding many picks. There is also a chance they use many or all of their
picks, even to trade up and down or simply add the best players available with
the knowledge Management has approval to be aggressive at the July 1st
open to free agency.
Here’s to doing
what needs to be done.
Isles Notes:
The Islanders preseason schedule has been announced.
The NHL will
announce the 2018-19 regular-season home openers for all 31 clubs on Wed., June
20 at 1 p.m. ET.
Per Arthur
Staple, “Confirming SNY report, Greg Cronin was let go by #Isles. No other coaching
decisions have been made as of now, at NHL or AHL level.”
Per Chris Botta, “As a follow up, I was contacted after article posted by two dismissed
coaches from #Isles
organization (who requested anonymity) who said they were fired Friday, June 8.”
The 2018 NYI Draft Party is on Friday, 6/22! Music, family activities, & appearances from
special guests.
No comments:
Post a Comment