UNIONDALE, NY – The 2009-2010 season ended for the Islanders earlier than wanted but later than expected. The Islanders were in the playoff chase until the final weeks of the season. Perhaps their talent kept them there in the thick of the hunt or maybe (more likely) the mediocrity of the eastern conference of the NHL was the real factor.
In either case, the Islanders were as competitive as any club in the division and conference and showed flashes of brilliance all season. But consistency was the devil in the details.
Entering the draft season the club has six unrestricted free agents in the mix along with six restricted players. Salary cap issues will not hinder the team as they have just cleared the basement on the cap.
The offense and defense need help and the goaltending remains a mystery for the franchise. Since the bungling by former general manger Mike Milbury’s drafting of Rick DiPietro and banishment of once and future talent to the far corners of the NHL landscape the franchise has searched for solid goaltending. Not that DiPietro is not talented but his history of injuries would make for good reading had HIPAA not passed some years back.
As an aside, it is a puzzlement how Milbury remains on national television broadcasts with his history of ruining a franchise. His smug demeanor enrages any loyal Islander fan. He is neither neutral nor dispassionate in his commentary on NBC or Versus broadcasts.
But back to the matter at hand.
The Islanders competed despite their rankings in offensive and defensive categories. They were 21st in offense, 28th in defense, 27th on the PP, 29th on the PK, and 24th on face-offs.
Over the season the Isles had one scorer with 30 goals (Matt Moulson) and one with over 20, John Tavares potted 24 goals. To their credit they had eight other players with 8 or more goals.
In the minors this season, their top prospects are defensemen including Calvin de Haan and Travis Harmonic, both of whom may make the jump sooner rather than later leaving the parent club the opportunity to draft an offensive threat this draft year to support Tavares soon.
The offensive talent in the draft at the 5th position this year is sizeable enough to make an impression to any club this early in the process. Three names that immediately shine are Brett Connolly, Alex Burmistrov and Nino Niederreiter. All three are talented forwards with big upside.
Niederreiter impressed at the World Junior Championships. Burmistrov also played well in the WJC and came to the Ontario Hockey League lending credence to his desire to play in the NHL rather than heading for Russia’s KHL.
Connolly is ranked number 11 by the International Scouting Service. His upside is his size at 6’2” and 182 pounds. Burmistrov is 6’ and listed at a generous 159 pounds. Connolly played sparingly in this last season as a result of hip injuries and surgery. He reportedly came back too quickly from an injured hip and over compensated and injured the other side leading to the surgical intervention.
In 16 games this year, Connolly picked up 10 goals and 19 points. But his past performances in the WHL suggest he has excellent offensive skills to go with his size. Scouts have tagged him as a near certainty for making the parent club this next season; a tall order for an 18-year old kid with a hip history.
The Isles need offensive support. Connolly is offensive-minded, skilled and big. A decade after the debacle that was created by Milbury on the Island, the New York Islanders will make a strong statement on where they are and where they want to be in the near and distant future.
“With the fifth pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders select, Brett Connolly of the Prince George Cougars.” To learn more about Brett Connolly click on his name.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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