Islanders improve at Draft

It was a good weekend for one Battle club. While the jury is out on the Rangers' Dylan McIlrath gamble, Islander fans had to be pleased with what Garth Snow added to a mix that features John Tavares and Kyle Okposo.

Picking fifth overall in an unpredictable first round that saw both American defensemen Cam Fowler and Derek Forbort slip out of the top 10, the Islanders opted for offensive help by taking Swiss prospect Nino Niederreiter. The talented right wing teamed with Portland linemates Ryan Johansen and Bradley Ross to form a top scoring line that lit up the Western Hockey League (WHL) for 88 goals, including Niederreiter's 36 ranking second among rookies and tied for first with six game-winners. He finished with 60 points (36-24-60 in 65 GP) and 68 penalty minutes, earning 2nd All-Star Team WHL honors in the Western Conference.

Most notably, the 18 year-old who's listed at 6-2, 201 scored big goals, getting the winner to oust Russia in the WJC that advanced Switzerland to the semis against Canada. His six tallies and four helpers for 10 points paced all Swiss, earning a place on the All-Tournament team alongside Jordan Eberle (Edm) and Ranger prospect Derek Stepan. Not surprisingly, Nino also fared well in the WHL playoffs pacing Portland with eight goals while his 16 points ranked second.

No question the rising Swiss is a talented player who should please Islander fans for years to come. He combines strong skating with good skill and grit. This was one of my favorite players during the WJC because of how hard he competed. Ironically, I almost predicted Nino to the Isles figuring it would make sense to get Tavares support. Guess not everyone can be as psychic as good Ranger buddy Scotty Hockey, who nailed the McIlrath pick at 10. Props there.

"I'm trying to be a scorer one day. At the moment I think I'm a two-way player with some skills and also defensively. At the end I just want to be a goal scorer," Niederreiter expressed Saturday while also sounding genuinely excited about being the newest Islander.

"I think it was just great. I think the whole company is fantastic. Even the place where they play, and Long Island, I think it's just so great."

It's that kind of enthusiasm that should endear El Nino to Long Island.

Not only did Snow land Niederreiter but also went for potential by grabbing skilled Russian Kirill Kabanov with the club's third pick, tabbing him 65th overall. Once considered a lock to go in the top 10, the 18 year-old left wing plummeted due to uncertainties about his future. Firing your agent prior to the Draft ain't the wisest thing. With the KHL also a distinct possibility, that along with character issues is why he lasted so long. Will the 6-2, 173 pound Russian make other teams pay the price? He certainly has talent even if a month long negotiation for his release and a broken wrist limited him to only 22 games with Moncton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In his first 11 games, Kabanov totaled 14 of his 23 points (10-13-23).

In 2009 at the World Under 18 Championships, Kabanov tallied 11 points (4-7-11), placing third on Team Russia. He also once finished third in scoring at the World Under 17 Championships played in London, Ontario, which featured Matt Duchene, Evander Kane and Ryan O'Reilly. It's not a question of ability. The Islanders are banking on their potential third round steal to silence doubters with his play. When and if he signs, that day gets much closer.


The Islanders spent their other four picks on two centers, a defenseman and another goalie. Here's the breakdown:

2 (30th overall) C Brock Nelson  US       6-3 205
4 (82nd overall) C/LW Jason Clark US   6-2 180
5 (125th overall) D Tony Dehart US        6-2 187
7 (185th overall) G Cody Rosen CA        5-11 180

Ahhh

Okay. I'm cool now. Me and Pop went for a four mile walk and it helped clear my head. All I can say is this kid better turnout good. It's true our D is softer than molasses and could have Hostess sponsor it. And he does sound/look tough. He says they won't regret it. Hey Rath, if you don't, the Ranger org will be feeling ours. :P I have to put a little faith in Gordie Clark, who's done an admirable job with our recent drafts.

Before I hop in a cold shower and change to head out, I just hope they know what they're doing. This was only Round 1. Tomorrow's a new day and a chance to continue addressing holes like the lack of offensive firepower. Let's see what Saturday brings.

Yeesh

How in the world did they pass on Cam Fowler? I can't believe he fell like a rock. It was all setting up to be a homerun. Imagine a blueline with Staal, Del Zotto, Fowler, McDonagh and Girardi (assuming re-signed). Heck. They could've traded the pick down and taken Tarashenko or Kuznetsov.

Instead, like a pile of bricks that is the Ranger franchise, they select Dylan McIlrath?!?!?!?!?! I could care less how tough he is. I don't care about his 19 fights. When you get a chance to take a Niedermayer-type who now oddly enough gets his Ducks jersey from him at the podium as No.12 overall, you take him! There was the familiar Pierre McGuire going ga ga over poor Fowler for sliding and praising the Ducks while ripping our loser team and other GMs who obviously forgot to take their med or had way too much scotch. I am flabbergasted.

Another example of NYRFail. Hence my tweet.


The magnitude of this royal suckage is too much. Arrrrrgh.

Draft Day 2010

Tonight, the drama finally ends for Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. One will go No.1 overall to Edmonton with the other expected to be selected second. Here's the first round order on a day where there could be some movement at Staples Center when things kickoff at 7 ET/4 PT on Versus (TSN):

1.Edmonton
2.Boston (Tor)
3.Florida
4.Columbus
5.NY Islanders
6.Tampa Bay
7.Carolina
8.Atlanta
9.Minnesota
10.NY Rangers
11.Dallas
12.Anaheim
13.Phoenix (Cgy)
14.St. Louis
15.Florida (Bos)
16.Ottawa
17.Colorado
18.Nashville
19.Los Angeles
20.Pittsburgh
21.Detroit
22.Phoenix
23.Buffalo
24.Chicago (Atl-NJD)
25.Vancouver
26.Washington
27.Montreal
28.San Jose
29.Anaheim (Phi)
30.Chicago


As has been the case already, some players could be on the move this weekend. According to TSN, one such player is Florida defenseman Keith Ballard, who's said to be drawing interest from Western clubs. The rugged blueliner certainly can help someone. Other rumored players include Nashville's Denis Grebeshkov, Dallas' Mike Ribeiro, Toronto's Tomas Kaberle and Dan Hamhuis, who the Flyers are still hoping to sign. Does Tim Thomas find a new home? Sergei Gonchar and the Pens are in discussions on a new contract. From our column the other day, forgot to mention Jaroslav Halak finding a new home in St. Louis with the Habs unwilling to re-sign their playoff hero, opting again for Carey Price. Will it backfire? Special kudos to our Devil worshipper Hasan for noting our oversight.

Draft wise, both Columbus and the Islanders are open to trading their picks. If you take the Oilers at their word on still being undecided on Hall/Seguin, perhaps Florida can parlay their No.3 and 15 all the way to the top spot. We'll see. Personally, I'd take Hall as he's the better scorer and can team with Jordan Eberle to give Oiler fans an exciting future. Expect defenseman Cam Fowler to go third with bruiser Erik Gudbranson right behind. Not really sure what the Islanders will do but another finisher would be a boost for John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. One mock has them selecting Brett Connolly, who while missing most of 2009-10 is healthy and projects as a power forward. The Rangers are also rumored to be interested. If they go forward, figure Vladimir Tarashenko, Nino Niederreiter or even Kirill Kabanov to be in the mix. For the Sabres, adding more offense seems logical. But they also could use some blueline help for Calder winner Tyler Myers. Most mocks lean towards D with Jonathon Merrill, Mark Pysyk and Jarred Tinordi possibilities.

Want a couple of potential steals? Two players I like should go in the middle to late first round. Alexander Burmistrov has oodles of talent that could make him electrifying to watch. Jason Zucker might be worth the gamble. The American from Vegas had a good WJC, helping Team USA win gold. He scored a couple of goals while playing a gritty style which should bode well in the NHL. He may not even get picked tonight but that means someone will wind up with a good player Saturday when our very own Brian Sanborn is in the building. Imagine if Buffalo drafts him. Let the chaos ensue.

We're about half an hour away from the Draft. An exciting time for puckers everywhere. Still liked it better on the weekend. And have to echo what Brian said about the unfriendly start time for those attending. It's in California. He can't even make Day One. But like I said, Day Two will probably be more interactive with the rest of the draft taking place and probably a better opportunity to meet players, etc. Might our caped crusader get his chance with Darcy Regier?!?!?! All I can say is enjoy the festivities.