This time, Islanders go for defense

NEW YORK – Another year, another draft party. The New York Islanders, five years removed from their last playoff appearance, are trying to add an elite prospect that can help sell hope to an increasingly skeptical fan base.

With the future of the franchise in doubt due to its arena situation, general manager Garth Snow has exhausted talk of the future and needs a pick who personifies an immediate upgrade, even if he’s unlikely to be rushed into the NHL.
Ryan Murray is one such prospect. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder from Everett (WHL) is the consensus top defenseman in this year’s draft after logging a ton of ice time and tallying 31 points in 46 games this past season.
A two-way blueliner, the Silvertips’ captain has earned comparisons to Scott Niedermeyer for his strong transition game. And the Islanders need help on defense. Mark Streit is the team’s top puck-mover but can’t last forever. And Murray’s leadership qualities and locker-room presence could prove especially appealing after he captained Team Canada at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
The Islanders blueline proved porous too many times this past season, wasting some heroic goaltending by Evgeni Nabokov and holding the team back in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference. Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald appear to have solid futures, and the team has up-and-comers in Calvin de Haan, Aaron Ness and Matt Donovan. It’s easy to see Snow building from the back out and adding a skilled, potential franchise blueliner – if he doesn’t trade the pick.
A couple o seasons ago the Islanders passed on Victor Hedman for John Tavares. Now the Isles look to add a player that will do for the blueline that Tavares is doing at the forward position. For those reasons, expect to hear the following come draft day.
“With the fourth overall pick, the New York Islanders select Ryan Murray of the Everett Silvertips.”
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