Isles Prospect Talk 2020-21 Pt. II

[Chapin Landvogt]

Was he ever really ranked or expected to go 1st round? I know some analysts liked him a lot but the main consensus even after the pick was that it was a round early, injury or not.

From what I've seen in Bridgeport, he is a long way away from making any sort of impact in the NHL

The thing about that draft is that Holmstrom entered the season as Sweden's top ranked forward. They had higher ranked players, but he was the general concensus as the nation's best forward prospect for that draft heading into the season.

That naturally changed over the course of the season. He did have a strong U18 for Gold Medal winning Sweden, despite all the injuries in that season.

 

[xECK29x]

 

[Wanderson]

The thing about that draft is that Holmstrom entered the season as Sweden's top ranked forward. They had higher ranked players, but he was the general concensus as the nation's best forward prospect for that draft heading into the season.

That naturally changed over the course of the season. He did have a strong U18 for Gold Medal winning Sweden, despite all the injuries in that season.

Yes, true. However, a lot of stuff happened during the season and his ranking went downhill? Holmström wasn’t able to crack HV71’s roster, won’t blame him though since HV was stacked... other prospects like Höglander and overaged Fagermo took big steps forward during the season and became impact players. If I remember correctly, in the end of the season many scouts and lists had both of them in front of Holmström.

My biggest issue with Holmström is that he failed to take a spot on HV’s roster the year after the draft. That’s probably the reason why he went over to Bridgeport (way too) early. Not sure if that decision was the right one regarding his development. During his loan spell with Vita Hästen (in the Swedish second tier) he looked lost on the ice. That’s extremely disappointing, since he was picked in the first round less than 2 years earlier.

 

[leeroggy]

Yes, true. However, a lot of stuff happened during the season and his ranking went downhill? Holmström wasn’t able to crack HV71’s roster, won’t blame him though since HV was stacked... other prospects like Höglander and overaged Fagermo took big steps forward during the season and became impact players. If I remember correctly, in the end of the season many scouts and lists had both of them in front of Holmström.

My biggest issue with Holmström is that he failed to take a spot on HV’s roster the year after the draft. That’s probably the reason why he went over to Bridgeport (way too) early. Not sure if that decision was the right one regarding his development. During his loan spell with Vita Hästen (in the Swedish second tier) he looked lost on the ice. That’s extremely disappointing, since he was picked in the first round less than 2 years earlier.

He was injured in his draft year. As I mentioned, one team (not the Isles according to McKenzie) had him ranked #15.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Yes, true. However, a lot of stuff happened during the season and his ranking went downhill? Holmström wasn’t able to crack HV71’s roster, won’t blame him though since HV was stacked... other prospects like Höglander and overaged Fagermo took big steps forward during the season and became impact players. If I remember correctly, in the end of the season many scouts and lists had both of them in front of Holmström.

My biggest issue with Holmström is that he failed to take a spot on HV’s roster the year after the draft. That’s probably the reason why he went over to Bridgeport (way too) early. Not sure if that decision was the right one regarding his development.

To be honest, I kind of think they signed and brought him over before it could even be determined he'd be a possibility for HV's SHL team.

I don't have the opportunity to look it up now, but I remember us all being very surprised about a Swedish article already in July after his draft where the GM of HV71 (thus, not even the Isles) pointed out that the Isles wanted him over in North America ASAP and that he'd be going there. He then wished him luck.

It kind of surprised us all here at the boards.

During his loan spell with Vita Hästen (in the Swedish second tier) he looked lost on the ice. That’s extremely disappointing, since he was picked in the first round less than 2 years earlier.

I saw that too and found it alarming. I expected much more of him in the Allsvenskan after a pretty full season of AHL play the season before.

And if you ask me, I wasn't too fond of his WJC, despite the 5 assists. He looked very passive to me.

 

[Wanderson]

To be honest, I kind of think they signed and brought him over before it could even be determined he'd be a possibility for HV's SHL team.

I don't have the opportunity to look it up now, but I remember us all being very surprised about a Swedish article already in July after his draft where the GM of HV71 (thus, not even the Isles) pointed out that the Isles wanted him over in North America ASAP and that he'd be going there. He then wished him luck.

It kind of surprised us all here at the boards.



I saw that too and found it alarming. I expected much more of him in the Allsvenskan after a pretty full season of AHL play the season before.

And if you ask me, I wasn't too fond of his WJC, despite the 5 assists. He looked very passive to me.

Here is a quote from his interview with hockeysverige.se when he was asked why he decided to go to the AHL instead of staying in Sweden.

“Jag och Islanders kom fram till att det skulle vara det bästa alternativet för mig. Alternativen här i Sverige, och speciellt med HV, var ju inte så som man ville ha det. Då kände vi väl att AHL var det bästa alternativet och det håller jag fast vid fortfarande.”

Quick Google translation:

“Me and the Islanders came to the conclusion that this would be the best option for me. The alternatives here in Sweden, and especially with HV, were not the way you wanted it. Then we felt that the AHL was the best option and I still stick to that opinion.”

The answer is cryptic. But I get the feeling that HV told him that he might have to play with the J20 for the next season as well, and after that he decided to join Bridgeport instead.

 

[PWJunior]

Here is a quote from his interview with hockeysverige.se when he was asked why he decided to go to the AHL instead of staying in Sweden.

“Jag och Islanders kom fram till att det skulle vara det bästa alternativet för mig. Alternativen här i Sverige, och speciellt med HV, var ju inte så som man ville ha det. Då kände vi väl att AHL var det bästa alternativet och det håller jag fast vid fortfarande.”

Quick Google translation:

“Me and the Islanders came to the conclusion that this would be the best option for me. The alternatives here in Sweden, and especially with HV, were not the way you wanted it. Then we felt that the AHL was the best option and I still stick to that opinion.”

The answer is cryptic. But I get the feeling that HV told him that he might have to play with the J20 for the next season as well, and after that he decided to join Bridgeport instead.

I remember there being something about the top HV team added another winger in addition to their star player who is a winger. It was clear Holmstrom was blocked and was ticketed to staying on the Junior team. If true, that would explain the decision to come over to the AHL.

 

[SI90]

that helps us with contract limits but is also pretty interesting. He’s a legit pro prospect. Maybe he sees a bunch of good young defenseman in front of him and doesn’t plan on signing?

 

[Osakahaus]

that helps us with contract limits but is also pretty interesting. He’s a legit pro prospect. Maybe he sees a bunch of good young defenseman in front of him and doesn’t plan on signing?

i dont think he ever makes the NHL, but he might be an AHL guy if anything. Guy isn't offensively inclined and he's a lefty shot.

 

[SI90]

i dont think he ever makes the NHL, but he might be an AHL guy if anything. Guy isn't offensively inclined and he's a lefty shot.

He has a chance to play in the NhL one day. Will he? That’s a whole different question.

 

[Osakahaus]

He has a chance to play in the NhL one day. Will he? That’s a whole different question.

well thats the deal with every prospect. we don't know if they ever will reach the NHL. I do want to see him make it, but is it likely?

 

[SI90]

well thats the deal with every prospect. we don't know if they ever will reach the NHL. I do want to see him make it, but is it likely?

no not likely. I disagree though it’s not the same with every prospect. It’s the same that there are no guarantees but that being said some have more or a chance than others. In my mind Mirgageas has a good shot to be a pro player and if all goes well could make it to the NHL.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

that helps us with contract limits but is also pretty interesting. He’s a legit pro prospect. Maybe he sees a bunch of good young defenseman in front of him and doesn’t plan on signing?

Same situation with Cockerill.

Buys time and gives both players a real shot at having a "normal" senior year. Neither was in a very good position to earn an ELC, so a 5th year at college is a possible win-win for all involved.

 

[IslandersFan17]

Canucks run differently than us. I don't want to get angry that someone made the NHL jump earlier than our player, the canucks needed him to step in simply because of their cap woes, while we don't really need the youth to fill in plugs unless its by them being able to do so.

We lack scoring, and are cap strapped, we absolutely could use some of the youth delivering in those areas.

regardless of the circumstances that put Höglander in the lineup, the kid still produced. I’m not sure what the argument is here, but he made a jump straight to the NHL and did very well for him self.

 

[Osakahaus]

We lack scoring, and are cap strapped, we absolutely could use some of the youth delivering in those areas.

regardless of the circumstances that put Höglander in the lineup, the kid still produced. I’m not sure what the argument is here, but he made a jump straight to the NHL and did very well for him self.

Isles aren't inserting an 20 year old into their lineup, plain and simple. thats why he isn't here.

 

[IslandersFan17]

Isles aren't inserting an 20 year old into their lineup, plain and simple. thats why he isn't here.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo how old was Wahlstrom during the season?

Noah has 80 NHL games and just turned 21 in January.

 

[Osakahaus]

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo how old was Wahlstrom during the season?

Noah has 80 NHL games and just turned 21 in January.

Dobson was absolutely ready after his second memorial cup year. Wahlstrom also earned his place on the roster this season. What holmstrom must continue to do is to keep growing his game, and have a stronger AHL campaign. Again, players can take longer to develop as well. Holmstrom just feels polarizing in general to discuss simply because of where he was taken, who was taken afterwards, and how he's done

 

[IslandersFan17]

Dobson was absolutely ready after his second memorial cup year. Wahlstrom also earned his place on the roster this season. What holmstrom must continue to do is to keep growing his game, and have a stronger AHL campaign. Again, players can take longer to develop as well. Holmstrom just feels polarizing in general to discuss simply because of where he was taken, who was taken afterwards, and how he's done

You said this lineup wasn’t inserting a 2o year old, yet this did twice…

End of the day, Höglander came to the NHL right from Sweden and produced, while being drafted after a massive reach in Holmström.

Would Höglander make the Islanders, no way of knowing, but it’s clear he would absolutely have been the better choice.

Islanders brass is HOPING Holmström even remotely becomes something, the Canucks have an NHLer on their hands.

 

[Osakahaus]

You said this lineup wasn’t inserting a 2o year old, yet this did twice…

End of the day, Höglander came to the NHL right from Sweden and produced, while being drafted after a massive reach in Holmström.

Would Höglander make the Islanders, no way of knowing, but it’s clear he would absolutely have been the better choice.

Islanders brass is HOPING Holmström even remotely becomes something, the Canucks have an NHLer on their hands.

Then thats how the cards fall, thats all i can say. Holmstrom has at least two more years. if he can't make an NHL appearance by 2023, then its a very poor pick

 

[IslandersFan17]

Then thats how the cards fall, thats all i can say. Holmstrom has at least two more years. if he can't make an NHL appearance by 2023, then its a very poor pick

Not being a d ick, but you really haven’t said much that makes even remote sense or a coherent argument.

especially considering just making the NHL doesn’t quantify success.

 

[Osakahaus]

Not being a d ick, but you really haven’t said much that makes even remote sense or a coherent argument.

especially considering just making the NHL doesn’t quantify success.

Again, gotta make the NHL first and foremost.

 

[periferal]

He was injured in his draft year. As I mentioned, one team (not the Isles according to McKenzie) had him ranked #15.

With respect...Doesn't mean much. That team could haven gotten it wrong as well. If you can screw up a mostly consensus #1 overall pick (Yakupov, Stefan, etc), then anything after that doesn't matter.

 

[leeroggy]

With respect...Doesn't mean much. That team could haven gotten it wrong as well. If you can screw up a mostly consensus #1 overall pick (Yakupov, Stefan, etc), then anything after that doesn't matter.

Time will tell my friend . . . I really liked what I saw out of him at the WJHC

 

[periferal]

Time will tell my friend . . . I really liked what I saw out of him at the WJHC

Listen...I'm pulling for him big time because outside of the known prospects he has the highest upside...Not to mention the Isles need any help they can get from their farm system.

He's still young and I think the next 2 years will tell basically what we need to know. That said, just hard to be too excited about a prospect who has 22 points in 70 games at the AHL level. For a guy who was drafted for his offensive upside he should be producing more.

 

[Osakahaus]

Listen...I'm pulling for him big time because outside of the known prospects he has the highest upside...Not to mention the Isles need any help they can get from their farm system.

He's still young and I think the next 2 years will tell basically what we need to know. That said, just hard to be too xcited about a prospect who has 22 points in 70 games at the AHL level. For a guy who was drafted for his offensive upside he should be producing more.

At the exact same time, players like him could be used to trade for better players. Holmstrom can continue to grow. Hell, he might prove me wrong and all of us wrong by being a very good player for the bridgeport isles, or he doesn't and relapses