- Jan 5, 2009
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So after the junior league seasons and the NCAA seasons end, which Isles prospects get signed and end up in Bridgeport or even the Isles for the playoff run??
Anders Lee?? Scott Mayfield?? Brendan Kichton?? Ryan Strome?? Ville Pokka?? Andrei Pedan??
I know Ryan Strome is already signed and this is his last year of junior hockey, so it's not a matter of whether he signs or not, it's a matter of whether he ends up in Bridgeport or on the Isles. Is he even eligible for Bridgeport?? I'm guessing Bridgeport would be the choice for the rest of this year and then a strong push to make the Isles next training camp.
Anders Lee has pretty much done everything possible at the college level. His numbers have been virtually identical all three years I think he's outgrown college hockey. Hockey-wise, he needs to take the next step. It's just a matter of whether he wants to return to Notre Dame for one more year to finish his degree. If he doesn't sign after this year, I think he's a goner and signs elsewhere eventually. But I'm a big Lee fan. I'd love to see the Isles sign him.
Unlike Anders Lee, I think Scott Mayfield can benefit from another year of college hockey. Mayfield is much more raw than is Anders Lee, but Lee is a junior who plays forward. Mayfield is a sophomore and plays defense. I would think Mayfield would play another season at Denver, but Donovan left Denver after his sophomore season and was a lot smaller and less developed than is Mayfield, so you never know. The Isles seem to like to sign their college prospects after their sophomore season, but being we are deeper than a few seasons ago, not to mention they have learned some valuable lessons on rushing prospects, they may be more likely to let Mayfield play another season at Denver.
Kichton seems like a no-brainer. He is in his overage season in the WHL, so he will be playing in the AHL with somebody next year. I think he has real talent. He could replace Donovan who should be with the big club after a full training camp. But will there be room for Kichton if they sign Mayfield and perhaps this next guy.
Pedan is a real bruiser who has really developed the offensive side of his game since being selected two years ago. Great size, mean streak and size/scoring ratio.. I am definitely excited about this guy.
Ville Pokka. He had a great world juniors and is playing well in a Finish men's league. I'm sure the Isles would love to get him over here, but not for the playoff run. If he comes over, it will be for training camp.
Can we really sign Pedan, Mayfield and Kichton?? Even if Donovan earns a spot in training camp, we'll have De Haan trying to prove he can stay healthy for a full season. We still have Ness as well, along with Landry, Wishart and a bunch of ECHL call-ups...... Actually, they absolutely could sign all three of Mayfield, Pedan and Kichton for a defense next year that looks like this:
De Haan Mayfield
Ness Pedan
Kichton Wishart OR Laundry (one of them will be cut or sign elsewhere)
Donovan will be with the big club. Anyone else can serve in the 7th or 8th role. Heck, they could even sign Pokka if they can get him over to North America. I wouldn't even be suprised if he is more of a priority to sign than is Kichton or even Mayfield (for this season).
Heck, I didn't even bring up Robbie Russo..................
I was discussing callups from the junior/NCAA-Europe to Bridgeport level, but as far as callups from the Bridgeport to Islanders level, I can't wait to see Brock Nelson, Johan Sundstrum and Nino, although Nino threw a monkey wrench into things.... *** Nino!!
Who do we see called up first of the three?? I would think it would be Nino, then Brock, but that is if Nino ever gets to wear an Islander jersey....
I'm lovin Brock's size, intelligence and versatility.... I can see him on JT's wing.
Anders Lee?? Scott Mayfield?? Brendan Kichton?? Ryan Strome?? Ville Pokka?? Andrei Pedan??
I know Ryan Strome is already signed and this is his last year of junior hockey, so it's not a matter of whether he signs or not, it's a matter of whether he ends up in Bridgeport or on the Isles. Is he even eligible for Bridgeport?? I'm guessing Bridgeport would be the choice for the rest of this year and then a strong push to make the Isles next training camp.
Anders Lee has pretty much done everything possible at the college level. His numbers have been virtually identical all three years I think he's outgrown college hockey. Hockey-wise, he needs to take the next step. It's just a matter of whether he wants to return to Notre Dame for one more year to finish his degree. If he doesn't sign after this year, I think he's a goner and signs elsewhere eventually. But I'm a big Lee fan. I'd love to see the Isles sign him.
Unlike Anders Lee, I think Scott Mayfield can benefit from another year of college hockey. Mayfield is much more raw than is Anders Lee, but Lee is a junior who plays forward. Mayfield is a sophomore and plays defense. I would think Mayfield would play another season at Denver, but Donovan left Denver after his sophomore season and was a lot smaller and less developed than is Mayfield, so you never know. The Isles seem to like to sign their college prospects after their sophomore season, but being we are deeper than a few seasons ago, not to mention they have learned some valuable lessons on rushing prospects, they may be more likely to let Mayfield play another season at Denver.
Kichton seems like a no-brainer. He is in his overage season in the WHL, so he will be playing in the AHL with somebody next year. I think he has real talent. He could replace Donovan who should be with the big club after a full training camp. But will there be room for Kichton if they sign Mayfield and perhaps this next guy.
Pedan is a real bruiser who has really developed the offensive side of his game since being selected two years ago. Great size, mean streak and size/scoring ratio.. I am definitely excited about this guy.
Ville Pokka. He had a great world juniors and is playing well in a Finish men's league. I'm sure the Isles would love to get him over here, but not for the playoff run. If he comes over, it will be for training camp.
Can we really sign Pedan, Mayfield and Kichton?? Even if Donovan earns a spot in training camp, we'll have De Haan trying to prove he can stay healthy for a full season. We still have Ness as well, along with Landry, Wishart and a bunch of ECHL call-ups...... Actually, they absolutely could sign all three of Mayfield, Pedan and Kichton for a defense next year that looks like this:
De Haan Mayfield
Ness Pedan
Kichton Wishart OR Laundry (one of them will be cut or sign elsewhere)
Donovan will be with the big club. Anyone else can serve in the 7th or 8th role. Heck, they could even sign Pokka if they can get him over to North America. I wouldn't even be suprised if he is more of a priority to sign than is Kichton or even Mayfield (for this season).
Heck, I didn't even bring up Robbie Russo..................
I was discussing callups from the junior/NCAA-Europe to Bridgeport level, but as far as callups from the Bridgeport to Islanders level, I can't wait to see Brock Nelson, Johan Sundstrum and Nino, although Nino threw a monkey wrench into things.... *** Nino!!
Who do we see called up first of the three?? I would think it would be Nino, then Brock, but that is if Nino ever gets to wear an Islander jersey....
I'm lovin Brock's size, intelligence and versatility.... I can see him on JT's wing.
