Islanders Draft Prospects 2010

The New York Islanders are entering what should be the second half of their rebuild process.  Last years first overall pick John Tavares has lead the team in points, and many of the young core are really starting to come into their own.  So while this summer is the perfect time to bulk up on a few experienced free agents to flesh out the team, we also have the luxury of another early draft pick.  The Islanders 5th overall pick will mostly go to one of 5 talented young prospects.  Lets review (in no particular order).

Brett Connolly is the most skilled forward that might be left by pick 5.  With only 16 games played this season and 19 points, hes could be one of those high risk/high reward players that have worked out so well for the Islanders (see, Yashin, DiPietro).  The good new is though he was injured most of this past season, he appears to be in good health now, after recently playing for Canada in the U18 World Championship.  Although he didn’t do anything spectacular for Team Canada, we’ll let it slid.  A healthy Connolly on a line with Tavares, Okposo, or Cuomo would be a check and mate.

Scouts are reporting Cam Fowler as the quickest and most skilled defenseman in the draft, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he was the first D-man chosen.  But if he does last till pick 5, he’d fill a huge whole in the defense until the likes of Harmonic and de Hann are brought up.  Fowler has the pure speed and puck handling Gordon’s system depends on.  Downsides? At 6’2″ 195 pounds hes decent sized but he doesnt use it. His play is far from that of the physical D-man some say we need.

Erik Gudbranson is this writer’s personal choice for 5th overall. With only a 1 inch height edge over Fowler, and about the same weight, Gudbrason knows how to throw his body around.  He’s a big, physical defensemen with enough skill to make him worth the high pick.  He has an uncanny ability to own the ice around the net.  Figure a slightly younger, slightly smaller, and slightly less douchey Chara.  Hes also not afraid to drop the gloves, but hes not a fight-a-game player either, like the Islander’s recently resigned Gillies.

Nino Niederreiter was a Swiss hero this year at the U20 World Champs, scoring both the game tying and winning goals in an upset against Russia (USA later won the tourney, duh)  Hes a low risk, highly skilled, top 6 forward.  He posted 60 points in 65 games this past season with the Portland Winterhawks.  Many scouts say physically, hes NHL ready.  And some call him the best Swiss prospect of all time.  OF ALL TIME!

Whats with all the 6’2″, 190 pound defense men in this years draft?  Brandon Gormley is a 3rd that fits the bill.  Hes a 2-way d-man thats strong in all facets of the game.  Solid passing, puck handling, confidence, shutdown, battle, positioning, smart, good hygiene, goes to bed early, sends his grandma flowers on special occasions, etc.  He’s probably one of the best over all players listed here.  At the same time, he doesn’t offer the bang! pow! kaboom! of some of the other options.

Obvious omissions? We’ll yea, I left out the Russians.  Because, come on.

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