LW Michael Dal Colle (2014, 5th, NYI)

[Love]

Love the guys skillsets, I've seen him play 15+ times live over the past 2 years. While he does post great junior numbers, I question whether or not he's going to be able to translate it into a producing top 6 forward at the next level.

At the WJC camp he didn't separate himself from the rest as mentioned above IMO due to A) lack of a good/great 200ft-game, not effective as a bottom 6-forward (top 6 forwards seemed locked from pre-camp) & b) not able to keep up at the speed & physical toughness of the other players.

He has a WICKED shot and has very very good offensive instincts and he's able to dominate with those at the junior level. When put against top peers of his own age as well older competition (for future), I question whether or not he'll be able to adapt to the speed & physical toughness at the next level... IMO

Hmm interesting. Nice post.

Question for you: What is your opinion on his on ice relationship with Cole Cassels? Is Cassels putting up big numbers simply because he's playing with MDC, or does MDC benefit greatly from playing with a gritty, playmaking center like Cassels?

 

[Apotheosis]

Can't believe one of my friends dated him and he lived 4 minutes from my house, hahahaha.

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

its amazing how little hype this kid gets.... he just doesn't get talked about on HFBoards. Even on the Islanders page... even on their Propect thread theres more mentions of Josh Ho Sang than Dal Colle. MDC is really clicking on all cylinders and doesn't seem to get much love.

Not sure if I mentioned it in this thread but there is a reason behind that. When we realized the Islanders were going to be bad and probably get around the 4th or 5th pick, we started talking about Dal Colley lot, as of he was already ours before the draft even started. He came as no surprise we talked about him to death. With Ho-Sang he came as a big surprise and a very intriguing prospect to talk about.

 

[Brooklanders*]

Not sure if I mentioned it in this thread but there is a reason behind that. When we realized the Islanders were going to be bad and probably get around the 4th or 5th pick, we started talking about Dal Colley lot, as of he was already ours before the draft even started. He came as no surprise we talked about him to death. With Ho-Sang he came as a big surprise and a very intriguing prospect to talk about.

Ho Sang is also the flashier of the two players and comes with some unwarranted negative attention.

Who could forget Snows interview?

Pretty classic.

I love these two draft picks now and it would be amazing if they both panned out but I'm a skeptic and a pessimist by nature.
I've seen too many first round busts in my time.

 

[PWJunior]

Not sure if I mentioned it in this thread but there is a reason behind that. When we realized the Islanders were going to be bad and probably get around the 4th or 5th pick, we started talking about Dal Colley lot, as of he was already ours before the draft even started. He came as no surprise we talked about him to death. With Ho-Sang he came as a big surprise and a very intriguing prospect to talk about.

Yeah, we were all Dal Colle'd out by the time we drafted finally drafted him. He was basically all we talked about the moment the season was over leading up to the Draft. In other years, HF Isles usually was split between at least 2 players - even in 2009 there was a pretty decent contingent of Hedman and Duchene supporters over Tavares.

 

[ZeroPT*]

holy 79 points? Christ.

I haven't been overly impressed with him when I watched him but you can't deny that production. That's really good. Love the feature they did on his brother. Good character

 

[Future]

holy 79 points? Christ.

I haven't been overly impressed with him when I watched him but you can't deny that production. That's really good. Love the feature they did on his brother. Good character

So underrated and the only reason is because he's not a dynamic skater. If you can't blow past defenders and skate beautifully, you're not going to get much hype. Same thing is happening with Dylan Strome. Huge talent, but not a great skater. Same thing happened with Tavares in his draft year, more and more questions came about which led some to rank Hedman or Duchene over him.

Fact is, Dal Colle and Dylan Strome are major talents that have as much of a chance to pan out as any of the other high ranked prospects around them. They know they have to work on their skating and skating is a skill that can be improved.

 

[Icebreakers]

Every skill can be improved.

 

[Macch]

So underrated and the only reason is because he's not a dynamic skater. If you can't blow past defenders and skate beautifully, you're not going to get much hype. Same thing is happening with Dylan Strome. Huge talent, but not a great skater. Same thing happened with Tavares in his draft year, more and more questions came about which led some to rank Hedman or Duchene over him.

Fact is, Dal Colle and Dylan Strome are major talents that have as much of a chance to pan out as any of the other high ranked prospects around them. They know they have to work on their skating and skating is a skill that can be improved.

Hopefully JT takes Dal Colle to the dungeon. JT's skating has improved massively since being drafted. All comes down to how bad Dal Colle wants it.

 

[Juxtaposer]

So underrated and the only reason is because he's not a dynamic skater. If you can't blow past defenders and skate beautifully, you're not going to get much hype. Same thing is happening with Dylan Strome. Huge talent, but not a great skater. Same thing happened with Tavares in his draft year, more and more questions came about which led some to rank Hedman or Duchene over him.

Fact is, Dal Colle and Dylan Strome are major talents that have as much of a chance to pan out as any of the other high ranked prospects around them. They know they have to work on their skating and skating is a skill that can be improved.

It's funny that you mention Dylan Strome, because to me he's the same way as Dal Colle in that you aren't that impressed watching him, but when you look at the scoresheet at the end of the game he's got 4 points.

 

[Get North]

So underrated and the only reason is because he's not a dynamic skater. If you can't blow past defenders and skate beautifully, you're not going to get much hype. Same thing is happening with Dylan Strome. Huge talent, but not a great skater. Same thing happened with Tavares in his draft year, more and more questions came about which led some to rank Hedman or Duchene over him.

Fact is, Dal Colle and Dylan Strome are major talents that have as much of a chance to pan out as any of the other high ranked prospects around them. They know they have to work on their skating and skating is a skill that can be improved.

It's funny that you mention Dylan Strome, because to me he's the same way as Dal Colle in that you aren't that impressed watching him, but when you look at the scoresheet at the end of the game he's got 4 points.

Sam Reinhart can kind of be that guy too, not explosive but smart players who make good decisions with the puck which lead to points.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

holy 79 points? Christ.

I haven't been overly impressed with him when I watched him but you can't deny that production. That's really good. Love the feature they did on his brother. Good character

He's been clutch for the Generals this season. He currently leads the OHL in game winning goals, with 11. The next closest guy (ironically, Dylan Strome) has 7.

He's not flashy, but his kind of game translates very well to the NHL.

 

[Stizz09]

extremely happy to see I seem to have sparked a fire on him. Hes one of my favorite young prospects..... some one above mentioned that he can be as good as he wants to be, he just has to want it... I really think that one of if not his biggest quality is his compete and drive. I think once he gets into a pro locker room and sees what it takes to be successful, it will only fuel him further. Wouldn't surprise me at all if a stint with Gary Roberts is in his future.

 

[Brooklanders*]

extremely happy to see I seem to have sparked a fire on him. Hes one of my favorite young prospects..... some one above mentioned that he can be as good as he wants to be, he just has to want it... I really think that one of if not his biggest quality is his compete and drive. I think once he gets into a pro locker room and sees what it takes to be successful, it will only fuel him further. Wouldn't surprise me at all if a stint with Gary Roberts is in his future.

MDC is growing on me.

More I see him being interviewed I realize how mature and focused he his.

His drive has to lead to success in this league.

I'm not sure how great he can be but a 30 goal scorer would be what the doctor ordered.

 

[islesfan3913]

One of my favorite prospects for sure.

His skill and size combo is deadly. When I watch him I see Malkin, but I think that's mostly because he has that "tall guy using a short stick" look going on.

So good. Would not surprise me one bit if he's putting up the best numbers of any forward from his draft class.

Funny that you mention Malkin. He's the guy who immediately came to mind when I saw Dal Colle pre-draft. Him and Pacioretty are both good comparisons.

I think Dal Colle is as close to being a sure thing as you can get. The only question is how good will he become. If he adds some size and improves his skating, I don't see why he wouldn't be able to become a 30+ goal, 70+ point player since he'll most likely be playing with Tavares.

 

[seafoam]

Love the guys skillsets, I've seen him play 15+ times live over the past 2 years. While he does post great junior numbers, I question whether or not he's going to be able to translate it into a producing top 6 forward at the next level.

At the WJC camp he didn't separate himself from the rest as mentioned above IMO due to A) lack of a good/great 200ft-game, not effective as a bottom 6-forward (top 6 forwards seemed locked from pre-camp) & b) not able to keep up at the speed & physical toughness of the other players.

He has a WICKED shot and has very very good offensive instincts and he's able to dominate with those at the junior level. When put against top peers of his own age as well older competition (for future), I question whether or not he'll be able to adapt to the speed & physical toughness at the next level... IMO

When I saw him during a preseason game against the Bruins this year, I felt the same way. He's going to need to work hard in the gym and find another gear in his skating for him to be able to do what he does at the junior level in the NHL.

We (us Isles fans) saw Tavares' skating improve significantly after his first two(?) offseasons, so it can be done.

 

[seafoam]

Funny that you mention Malkin. He's the guy who immediately came to mind when I saw Dal Colle pre-draft. Him and Pacioretty are both good comparisons.

I think Dal Colle is as close to being a sure thing as you can get. The only question is how good will he become. If he adds some size and improves his skating, I don't see why he wouldn't be able to become a 30+ goal, 70+ point player since he'll most likely be playing with Tavares.

From some of the highlights I've seen, Dal Colle likes to let it rip from the right circle on the powerplay and likes to drive the net from the boards. Very Malkin-esque indeed, but like I said above, MDC needs to really grow into his body and find another gear.

 

[PWJunior]

From some of the highlights I've seen, Dal Colle likes to let it rip from the right circle on the powerplay and likes to drive the net from the boards. Very Malkin-esque indeed, but like I said above, MDC needs to really grow into his body and find another gear.

Dal Colle doesn't turn 19 until after the season is over in June, he's still quite young for his draft class. For all intents and purposes, he's still a kid and has some growing up to do into a young man.

I'm not all that familiar with Canadian geography in the Ontario area, but I don't think it would be too much of a stretch for Dal Colle to join Tavares and the rest of the crew at Athlete's Training Center (a.k.a. The Dungeon) in Mississauga to train in the offseason. A couple of offseasons of training coupled with natural physical maturity... I'm not too worried about Dal Colle being able to handle the physical rigors of the NHL when he's ready to contribute - likely when he's 21-ish.

As for the skating, I wouldn't mind him training with Dawn Braid (a.k.a. goddess skating instructor) who also happens to be associated with Tavares and that ATC/Dungeon crew.

Natural skill can't be taught, something MDC has plenty of.

 

[islesfan3913]

Dal Colle doesn't turn 19 until after the season is over in June, he's still quite young for his draft class. For all intents and purposes, he's still a kid and has some growing up to do into a young man.

I'm not all that familiar with Canadian geography in the Ontario area, but I don't think it would be too much of a stretch for Dal Colle to join Tavares and the rest of the crew at Athlete's Training Center (a.k.a. The Dungeon) in Mississauga to train in the offseason. A couple of offseasons of training coupled with natural physical maturity... I'm not too worried about Dal Colle being able to handle the physical rigors of the NHL when he's ready to contribute - likely when he's 21-ish.

As for the skating, I wouldn't mind him training with Dawn Braid (a.k.a. goddess skating instructor) who also happens to be associated with Tavares and that ATC/Dungeon crew.

Natural skill can't be taught, something MDC has plenty of.

I think it's safe to say the Isles will have Tavares with MDC any chance they can get.

 

[flamebird]

Hmm interesting. Nice post.

Question for you: What is your opinion on his on ice relationship with Cole Cassels? Is Cassels putting up big numbers simply because he's playing with MDC, or does MDC benefit greatly from playing with a gritty, playmaking center like Cassels?

MDC and Cassels are almost the perfect playing styles for each other, i'll explain.

MDC is an ELITE JUNIOR finisher. When you talk about players who shoot and dare goalies to save it (a-la Teemu Pulkkinen in the AHL or OV in the NHL), MDC is at the top of that list when it comes to the CHL/OHL. That being said, he's not going to be the player to carry the puck up the ice or be the primary playmaker on the half boards in the offensive zone. That gives him time to survey the landscape on the ice and position himself properly to get a high-scoring chance, and he is AMAZING at doing this.

Here's where Cassels comes in now. While he won't drop your jaw with blinding speed, an electric shot, or elite level vision, Cassels understanding of the game, where his players are going to be, and grittyness, paired with an ELITE level finisher is almost a match made in heaven. The puck always seems to follow Cassels around the ice and he's very strong on puck battles, usually finding ways to win them against opposing players. His playmaking ability allows him to draw multiple defenders his way, usually leaving MDC open, and I kid you not, when he gets the puck anywhere from the top of the circle down to the hashmarks (MDC) with minimal time and an opening for the net, 7-10 times its in the back of the net.

To answer your question, I think Cassels' #s are SLIGHTLY inflated by no more than 5-10 points. MDCs shot is too good for the OHL lol, any centre that is paired with him will benefit regardless. BUT, that isn't to take away from Cassels because what he is doing is a reflection of how good he has been playing.

 

[boredmale]

To answer your question, I think Cassels' #s are SLIGHTLY inflated by no more than 5-10 points. MDCs shot is too good for the OHL lol, any centre that is paired with him will benefit regardless. BUT, that isn't to take away from Cassels because what he is doing is a reflection of how good he has been playing.

I won't lie I haven't seen an Oshawa game this year but looking at the boxscores after every game it looks like Cassels and Dal Colle only play together on the PP

 

[islesfan3913]

Dal Colle scored his 40th goal tonight. He's now at 40-51-91 through 54 games. Surprised there isn't much discussion about him considering how great of a season he's having.

 

[RickyR]

Mdc is one of the strangest prospects ive seen here... piles up points and nearly no discussion ever. Gets passed on Wjc...

One of the most ignored top prospects hands down.

 

[TOML]

If he was drafted by any Canadian team, he would be annointed that teams' saviour. But that's the way she goes up here.

 

[SI90]

LI've this kid.

If it all pans out the isles have 3 young studs at forward for the future. MDC -Strome-JHS

A lot of rebuilding teams would love to have that young trio in their pool. The isles Have Tavares Nelson and Lee on top of that. All 24 and younger.


Anyway, I love Dal Colle. I wish he was a few years older because he's exactley what we are missing. A pure sniper on the wing.