The New York Islanders 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Day 2. Review of Rounds 2-7 & UFA Non-Update

Our New York Islanders selected Simon Holmstrom in round one with the 23rd selection on Day one. Per Andrew Gross, "Lou Lamoriello says it's too soon to project whether Simon Holmstrom will play in North American this season or remain in Sweden. Lamoriello says he projects as a top-six forward. Too much of a talent to pass on, per Lamoriello."

Yesterday, on day two, they went back to work.

Round 2, #57 overall (via CGY)

Round 5, #147 overall.

Round 6, #178 overall.

Round 7, #209 overall.

#57    Samuel Bolduc, D, 6'4, 209#, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of QMJHL

Bolduc, 18, had 9 & 28 for 37 points in 65GP last season, leading the D-core in all three categories with another 2 pts (1 & 1) in the playoffs. He's acquired 51 pts over the last three seasons in Juniors and knows his way around the defensive zone and a staunch, two-way defender. He skates well and can start the rush on a dime with an active first pass out of the zone. He's a big body who likes to play a physical game and battles hard in front of his net. He's also noted to be a good shot-blocker and has been improving year-by-year according to reports.

#147    Reece Newkirk, C – LW, 5'11, 170#, Portland Winterhawks of WHL

The 18-year-old Newkirk had a career-high 59 points (23 & 36) and 5 GWG in 68 games for Portland. He also added 2 assists in the playoffs last season. Size has never been a factor for Newkirk. He plays with a snarl (88 PIMs) and doesn't back down for bigger opposition. He is known for being a smart passer and is relentless on the puck, especially around the net.

#178    Felix Bibeau, C, 6'0, 187#, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of QMJHL.

Bibeau, 20, had a career-high 69 points (28 & 41) in 63 games with the 2019 Memorial Cup Champion. The alternate captain was tied for the lead with 14 goals (5 GWG and 6 on PP) in 20 playoff games en route to a championship season and was named to a Memorial Cup All-Star. Reports have him defined as a passionate player and confident with the puck. Has smooth hands and a fantastic shot, good vision and hates to lose.

#209    Cole Coskey, RW, 6'1, 201#, Saginaw Spirit of Ontario Hockey League

Coskey, 20, set career-highs in goals (31), assists (32) and points (63) in 52 GP in four seasons with the OHL's Saginaw Spirit. He scored 31 & 32 for 63 pts in 52 games (broken jaw) last season and had 8 points (3 & 5) in 13 OHL playoff games. Overall, Coskey compiled 155 points (72 & 83) in 240 career OHL games, all with Saginaw. He has been called an improving player, year-by-year, and one who works hard to get more responsibility and make more of an impact for his team. On his chance to play in the NHL, Coskey said, "I want it bad."

The Islanders are right back to it today with the open of free agency next Monday. Captain, Anders Lee, and Goaltender, Robin Lehner remain unsigned at this point. Both players have stated they are in talks with the team to the media. With Lee, term seems to be the sticking point. An Apparent difference on 5-6 years in term from the Isles and 7-8 from his camp. Per Brain Compton, Lee - "We want to make sure that everything is done right and it's right for both of us, for both sides. I hope it works out. They're working on it right now." Per Brain Heyman, "Just spoke with UFA-to-be Anders Lee, can start talking to other teams tomorrow: "I never thought it would get to this point, but I guess it's the nature of what this week means." His 1st choice is to stay, hopes it works out. Said talks with #Isles still going. #Islanders #NHL.”

Andrew Gross Tweeted, "Asked about Anders Lee's comment to @bheyman99 today back in New York that Lee is surprised negotiations have gotten to this point (in terms of a lack of progress), Lou Lamoriello said, "I have no response to it. We'll do everything we can." Lamoriello was seen speaking with Lee's agent, Neil Sheehy on the draft floor yesterday, but it looks like Lee will indeed entertain offers from other teams during the free agency period. Lehner was quoted as saying he would take a 1-year deal, just wants to come back and play with New York.

There we no big trades by New York this weekend as fans had hoped. The NHL has raised the salary cap to $81.5M with the Cap floor at $60.2M. Per CapFriendly, the Isles have $20,746,667 in cap space. 

The real clock continues to tick away. And the Islanders are on it. Panarin watch?

Isles Notes:

Per Brian Compton, "Thomas Hickey tells me he hasn't paid any attention to trade rumors. Wants to be in NY … Thomas Hickey is getting married in NY in two weeks. Lives here year-round with soon-to-be wife. Just moved into a new home. "I love playing here and living here."

Per Alan Fuehring, "Youngest son of #SoundTigers head coach goes to New Jersey." Tyce Thompson from Providence was selected with the 96th pick.

The New York Islanders 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Round 1 Review.

Isles fans probably entered the night thinking about fantasy-type trades, a Lee or Lehner signing and maybe even moving up for a stud target in this year’s draft. The truth is, the Isles are in win-now mode, and Lou Lamoriello knows this more than anyone. Barry Trotz took the reins and never looked back last season. He squeezed every ounce of heart out of every player on the roster, and the team bought into his system. The result was a close-knit, hardworking squad that pushed through to the second round of the NHL playoffs. Next season will different by way of expectations and probably the look of the roster.

Many speculate that means trading for a key piece or two to address the scoring and power play concerns. In last year’s draft, the Isles made some solid picks and bolstered their stable of prospects. Some of which could be used as assets or currency to shape the 2019-20 roster along with the farm in Bridgeport. I asked fans on Twitter if they wanted the Islanders to focus on Drafting or trading. 58% wanted trading to be the focus and 42% on the draft. Let’s move ahead to this year’s draft, round 1.

At the start of the evening, the Islanders hold:

Round 1: #23 overall.

#23      Simon Holmstrom, RW, 6’1, 198#, HV71 Jonkoping

Isles go off the board a bit and select Simon Holmstrom. The 18-year-old Holmstrom is known as an offensively skilled player who skates very well, can beat defenders cleanly and has good hands. Called a competitor who uses deception to make plays and has an underrated two-way game. Explosive passer and sly puck mover with a strong wrist shot. Called a character player who puts the team first. Needs to stay healthy (hip surgery, broken thumb, concussion) and have more development to play in the NHL. It has been noted that without his recent injury history, Holmstrom would probably have been a mid to high-level first round pick.

Per Barry Trotz, "What our scouts are saying is he's got a great release, lots of quickness, real good hockey IQ … hopefully he'll be a good match ... when you're watching him and (Mathew) Barzal walking together. Hopefully they'll play together someday."

Holmstrom played 21 games with HV71 J20 with 7 goals and 21 pts with a +7 rating. In the postseason, he scored 1 & 3 for 4 points. In J18, had 1 & 3 for 4  pts in 5 playoff games. Holmstrom played one game with SHL’s HV71. He helped Team Sweden win a gold medal in the U18 World Championship this past season.

Per Andrew Gross, “Isles first round pick Simon Holmstrom said he tries to pattern his game after Peter Forsberg and Mathew Barzal. Said he was excited to meet Barzal tonight.”

Day 2:

Round 2, #57 overall (via CGY).

Round 5, #147 overall.

Round 6, #178 overall.

Round 7, #209 overall.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, “Lamoriello says #Isles have qualified all their RFAs except John Stevens.”

Per Andrew Gross, “For the Islanders, going into their second season of splitting games between the Coliseum and Barclays Center, it will mark their first home opener in Uniondale since a 4-3 win over the Hurricanes on Oct. 11, 2014.”

Per Andrew Gross, “Lou says Isles hired Jim Hiller as an assistant because they believed they would lose Lane Lambert, who did not get Ducks job. Lou says no other coaching personnel moves at this time. But sounds like still being evaluated.”

NHL announces rule changes for 2019-20 season

Islanders Represent at 2019 NHL Awards: Lehner Wins Masterton and Trotz Wins Adams

Tonight, our New York Islanders were represented by their Head Coach, Barry Trotz, and their goaltenders, Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. Barry Trotz enjoyed a successful first campaign behind the Islanders bench, leading New York to a 48-27-0-7 record and 103 points, the highest total since the 1983-84 season. The Isles netminders had something to do with that as well. Lehner and Greiss were winners of the William M. Jennings Trophy for the NHL's top goaltending tandem, allowing the fewest goals in the NHL at 196. The last time the Islanders won the Jennings Trophy was 1983 (Billy Smith and Roland Melanson.)

Robin Lehner won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy given annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. Lehner overcame his battles with addiction and mental illness with his professional and personal life, admittedly at an all-time low. He acknowledged he had a problem and got help with the support of friends, family and, hockey family and overcame his most significant obstacle. "I’m not ashamed to admit I’m mentally ill. But that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.” Such a fantastic story and I was thrilled to see him play a significant role in writing the story of our Islanders this season.

He was also nominated for the Vezina trophy, awarded to the top goaltender in the NHL. Per NHL PR, "Robin Lehner established a franchise record in save percentage (.930), aided by an eight-game win streak. He helped the Islanders become the second team in NHL history (and first since 1918-19) to go from worst to first in team goals against." Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the award.

Lehner finished the 2018-19 campaign with a 25-13-0-5 record with a .930Sv% and a 2.13GAA and 5 shut outs. Congrats to Robin Lehner on his Vezina Trophy nomination for helping to backstop the Isles in a most memorable season. We are so appreciative for your work in our net this year.

There is no doubt the guidance of Mitch Korn and Piero Greco helped the Isles goalies elevate their game, and the coaching staff provided the X's and O's that enabled the Islanders to reach the second round of the playoffs.

Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Trophy given annually to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success in his first season with New York. It's his second Jack Adams (WSH in 2016.) The great Al Arbour won the award in 1978-79. Trotz's Islanders were ranked 5th in the NHL, and he helped turn the team from worst to first, defensively behind a restructured defense and improved goalkeeping and a 23 point improvement over 2017-18. His approach was a human first mindset, and with the aid of his coaching staff, they helped the Islanders have a fantastic season.

In other big News, the Islanders, announced today that Jim Hiller was added to Trotz's staff as an Assistant Coach. Hiller is a Power play specialist. Something the Islanders have sorely missed in their game. Hiller was an Assistant with Toronto for four seasons where he was under the eye of Isles General Manager, Lou Lamoriello.

Let's once again salute our New York Islanders Ownership on John Ledecky and Scott D. Malkin for giving the Organization the tools and freedom to repurpose itself front the front office on out.

I can't wait until next season. I love cheering for these guys.

Isles Notes:

The 2019 NHL Entry Draft is this weekend on Friday 6/21 and Saturday 6/22.

Islanders Preseason Schedule: 9/16 at Philadelphia 9/17 vs. Flyers at Barclays 9/20 at Detroit 9/21 at New Jersey 9/23 vs. Red Wings at Coliseum 9/24 at Rangers 9:28 vs. Rangers at Bridgeport.

Per Dan Rosen, "Islanders goalie Robin Lehner said he does not want to become a UFA, that he wants to re-sign with the Islanders, and he remains hopeful of that happening. "I like the people there. I love my teammates. I love the organization. So obviously, I want to be back."

"Lehner said he doesn't care if it's a short-term deal or a long-term deal, he wants to return to the Islanders. "I know the team knows where I stand, and I just hope something works out."

Per Andrew Gross, “#Isles Lou Lamoriello finished fifth in GM of the year voting. Had the same eight first-place votes as winner Don Sweeney of Bruins. Third-place finisher Don Waddell of Hurricanes had most first-place votes with nine. Lamoriello also had four second-place votes and four thirds.”

Per Eric Hornick, “How much did Barry Trotz change Mat Barzal's game? The Kid Who Won the Calder was the highest-rated #isles in the Selke voting (ironically tied with John Tavares). Casey Cizikas was just behind them. #NHLAwards”

Islanders Extend Jordan Eberle

Our New York Islanders came to terms with Forward, Jordan Eberle on a five-year contract at $27.5M ($5.5M AAV.) According to cap friendly, Eberle's contract includes a full no-trade clause in the first two years with a modified NTC (no trade to 16 teams) for years 3-5. Eberle was acquired from the Oilers for F, Ryan Strome in 2017. His prior contract with Edmonton had a $6M cap hit, so what made him take less (6yr/$36M) to play for the Isles? Per Brian Compton, Eberle wanted to stay with New York, and he mentioned the "camaraderie" of the Islanders and said "He (Eberle) owes a lot to Barry Trotz for developing more of a two-way game. Is also looking forward to having stability in a coach after the numerous changes during his time in Edmonton." It's also an indication that the top Isles players are signing contracts that leave meat on the bone for their GM to gain more for the organization.

Jordan Eberle, 29, has scored 96 points (44 & 52) in 159 games. He netted four goals, including the GWG in Game 2 of the Isles 1st round win against the Penguins. Eberle also had 5 assists and 9 pts in eight games this postseason along with 4 pts on the PP. Eberle said it was going to be nice coming back to a team with some stability and familiarity, and he felt winning was a priority per Andrew Gross. Eberle's contract is good news for the Isles who want to parlay their remaining cap space ($22+M) into quality-fit, free agent signings, trades, and qualifying offers to improve the squad. And don't forget about Valtteri Filppula. Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Dal Colle are RFAs and can be contacted on 6/27.

Of the Isles main unsigned assets, Team Captain Anders Lee and Goaltender Robin Lehner remain unsigned with the July 1st deadline looming, just over two weeks away. The buzz around the beat is that at least one will sign and talks between the team and their top UFA's are ongoing. Andy Graziano of WFAN said, "People I've spoken with believe Lee/Lehner will be signed by #Isles prior to draft. Panarin major FA target, but consensus sticking with Rangers as destination. Leddy/Hickey highly involved in trade discussions, as Pagnotta noted. Feeling is at least one is surely going." Robin Lehner will be attending the NHL Awards next Wednesday (Masterton-Perseverance and Vezina-Top Goaltender) along with Head Coach, Barry Trotz (Adams-Top Coach) to represent the Islanders and be recognized for their outstanding performances this past season.

With the NHL Entry Draft on 6/21 and 6/22, General Manager, Lou Lamoriello will have an opportunity to deal picks, prospects and players to improve the team prior to the open of free agency. After July 1st, the summer agenda will be even more apparent. New York will need to get better by free agent signings or trades. No one knows that more than Isles management. Both Lamoriello and Trotz had a productive year with the personnel they went into the season with and understood where they fell short over the season and in the NHL postseason. Free agents can be contacted on 6/24.

Jordan Eberle seemed like a rental to some, but it's good to have a player of his ability back with the Isles. One who wants to play for them alone. Especially entering a summer with limited prime free agent scoring punch available.

Two big ones down, two to go?

Isles Notes:

Per Brian Compton, "Eberle on Lee: "Anders is on his own path. No one can really blame him for taking his time or going to free agency. He's earned the right to that. I know in his mind he loves Long Island."

Isles sign Tanner Fritz at $700,000 in 2019-20 and 2020-21 is a two-way deal, $700,000 NHL and $250,000 AHL with $275,000 guaranteed. – Andrew Gross.

Isles QMJHL prospect, Arnaud Durandeau signs a 3-year ELC. Durandeau had a career-high 38 goals and 35 assists in 68 games for Halifax last season and seems to be a steal for New York, selected in the 6th round in 2017.

Casey Cizikas awarded Bob Nystrom Award for the 2018-19 season.

Per Andrew Gross, "Per Isles: Cal Clutterbuck (back) and Andrew Ladd (knee) both had surgery. Doctors expect Clutterbuck to be able to play this upcoming season. He should be ready to start training camp. Ladd's timeline a little less clear at this point.

Tickets are on sale for fans to come and watch the Isles top prospects compete in a rookie scrimmage and skills competition on June 27th at @NHIceCenter.