Prospect Info: Prospect Talk PART X

[boredmale]

If Mikko Koskinen isn't playing anymore this season in the KHL I would love for the Islanders to give him like a 5 game contract and let him play a few times to see how he does

 

[PWJunior]

If Rex is right, and he becomes Serge Savard type, I'd be thrilled ! Savard was awesome. The big 3 of Robinson, Savard and Lapointe was the major part of such an amazing defense, didn't hurt to have Dryden there as the last line of defense. If our top 3 defensemen work out, in time, the Isles will have an awesome D, especially if they pick Ekblad.

Now PW, as far as my rage, I'm quite proud of it, I've been ripping Isle's draft choices from the early 80's, and UNFORTUNATELY i've been more tight than wrong. I remember 1984, I was so angry we picked defenseman Duncan Mcpherson, I actually told my Dad, "this is such a horrible pick, I bet you he will never play in an Islander's uniform". Now of course, I could never foresee his horrible demise, but he never did play in an Islander's uniform. Actually our top 2 picks that year met an early demise.

Then in 1987, they take Dean Chynoweth 13th instead of Joe Sakic, who went 15th. Imagine Lafontaine and Sakic as your #1 and #2 centers. Boy did I hate that pick.

In 1989, I was wrong BIG time, I wanted Dave Chyzowski bad instead of Mats Sundin. Was so happy we got Chyzowski, thought he was gonna be a sniper to replace Bossy. Boy was I wrong about that one.

Unfortunately my rage has been well deserved by the Isle's scouting staff for many years.

You bring back memories Scotty. I am with on the Chyzowski thing, I thought he was destined to be a star. A power LW with a disgusting shot, I thought he was good for at least 30 goals/season and was thinking 40+ regularly. Damn Kamloops Blazer, that's all people mentioned that Draft from what I remember when watching it.

MacPherson is a sad story. A friend of mine who was a hockey fanatic was telling me how awesome he was going to be, how he could do it all. Injuries felled him as well as his accident. Tragic story.

I wasn't all that familiar with Chynoweth, I don't think I saw that draft on tv either. I wasn't too invested so I have no real feeling towards him other than he was a bust.

Thinking back, I was a huge Lachance guy in '91. I was like, 'Niedermayer sucks, Lachance is going to be awesome'. Completely missed there too. I think because I didn't like the Kamloops program (because of Chyzowski) contributed to that too.

 

[Glory Days]

We sure did draft some gems in the 80's. Don't forget Paul Boutilier in 81 or Gerald Diduck in 83. And I was actually upset when Pat Price signed with the WHA instead of us. We don't exactly have a rich history in drafting and developing defense in the first round. Hopefully the recent group reverses the trend.

 

[boredmale]

You bring back memories Scotty. I am with on the Chyzowski thing, I thought he was destined to be a star. A power LW with a disgusting shot, I thought he was good for at least 30 goals/season and was thinking 40+ regularly. Damn Kamloops Blazer, that's all people mentioned that Draft from what I remember when watching it.

I always though Chyzowski was a victim of poor development. I remember the 1990 World Junior Championship, he looked great. I just think he should have been sent back to junior for a year and let him work on his game. Not sure if he would have panned out with better development but the Islanders rushing him sure didn't help. Sort of funny Travis Green was described as a poor man's Dave Chyzowski in the draft preview and went on to have a better career

 

[blinkman360]

If Mikko Koskinen isn't playing anymore this season in the KHL I would love for the Islanders to give him like a 5 game contract and let him play a few times to see how he does

If that is possible, it makes a lot of sense. Not sure how motivated Wang would be to spend money though on this season, considering it's essentially over.

 

[N Ireland Nets Fan]

If that is possible, it makes a lot of sense. Not sure how motivated Wang would be to spend money though on this season, considering it's essentially over.

Money shouldn't be an issue at all because Tavares's salary is covered by the Olympics through insurance. It wouldn't cost much to pay someone for a handful of games.

 

[Renbarg]

Mikko is signed through next year, its not possible to bring him over now.

 

[JZCislesHockey]

Mikko is signed through next year, its not possible to bring him over now.

Couldn't we buy out his contract with his KHL team?

 

[scott99]

Thinking back, I was a huge Lachance guy in '91. I was like, 'Niedermayer sucks, Lachance is going to be awesome'. Completely missed there too. I think because I didn't like the Kamloops program (because of Chyzowski) contributed to that too.

I really wanted Niedermayer in 91. I was so upset the Devils stole him from us (picked 3rd by the Devils, Lachance picked 4th by the Isles), though knowing the Islanders, they would have taken Lachance over Niedermayer anyway. I was ok with the consolation prize, Lachance had an excellent freshman season in college, and people were comparing him to Brian Leetch. He came nowhere close.

Same thing happened a year earlier, Pittsburgh snatched Jagr at 5, we get Scott Scissons at 6. We all no what happened there.

It's like the Isles never heard of the "trading up" concept until 2009 & de haan. Who knows how good we could have been if we had Jagr and Niedermayer instead of Scissons and Lachance.

 

[steveat]

I remember the Scissons draft. I am SURE we didn't go BPA. I remember them saying that the Isles were gonna stick with tradition and draft someone from the West as they've done many many times before. I remember Arbour going up to the podium as well and no one was surprised the team chose Scissons.

I thought Scissons was gonna be at least a regular. How do you fail if you had the leadership of Arbour? He must have really pulled the wool over the scouts eyes.

 

[scott99]

We sure did draft some gems in the 80's. Don't forget Paul Boutilier in 81 or Gerald Diduck in 83. And I was actually upset when Pat Price signed with the WHA instead of us. We don't exactly have a rich history in drafting and developing defense in the first round. Hopefully the recent group reverses the trend.

Was hoping Paul Boutilier was gonna be another Ray Bourque. He had an excellent post draft season in the Q, I think he had 80+ points ! Excellent skater, but ZERO hockey sense. Diduck at least was a servicable defenseman.

 

[blinkman360]

I really wanted Niedermayer in 91. I was so upset the Devils stole him from us (picked 3rd by the Devils, Lachance picked 4th by the Isles), though knowing the Islanders, they would have taken Lachance over Niedermayer anyway. I was ok with the consolation prize, Lachance had an excellent freshman season in college, and people were comparing him to Brian Leetch. He came nowhere close.

Same thing happened a year earlier, Pittsburgh snatched Jagr at 5, we get Scott Scissons at 6. We all no what happened there.

It's like the Isles never heard of the "trading up" concept until 2009 & de haan. Who knows how good we could have been if we had Jagr and Niedermayer instead of Scissons and Lachance.

Sometimes the trade up option isn't there, and sometimes the dropoff in talent between one pick doesn't seem so steep.

I'll tell you this though: if we finish 4th worst AND decide to keep the pick, I'd like to see what the cost would be to move up one spot. I'm assuming it would be pretty steep.

 

[Centrefold]

If Mikko Koskinen isn't playing anymore this season in the KHL I would love for the Islanders to give him like a 5 game contract and let him play a few times to see how he does

Curtis Sanford and Alexander Salak are two goaltenders that have better stats than Koskinen and were AHL goalies in North America. Do you remember the Slovakian netminder Jan Laco during the Olympics? He also has better stats than Koskinen. The Islanders need a stable veteran presence, who is still in their prime, in net if they want to be in the playoff hunt next season.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

Agreed.

Ok DRex, point blank... who is the one you think will emerge as the best of the bunch? My money is on CdH, he fits the mold of what has been the trend with most of the young and impressive d-men around the league. The package of smarts/mobility/poise/skill is reminiscent of the Suter/McDonagh/Ryan Murray/Maatta/etc.

Reinhart is the throw back type of years past when you had the towers of powers back there that soaked up minutes. The Larry Robinson/Rob Blake/Serge Savard types.

Who do you choose? Or will go with someone else like Pulock who projects to be an Al MacInnis-lite? I'm curious.

For you PW will give it a try, there is really no right or wrong answer. As you know I follow progress not make predictions.

We understand there is no Denis Potvin, here.
The three leading candidates,CDH, Poulock and Reinhart. Any of the three could be number one, a case can be made for each. The way this looks down the line, the effectiveness of the gruop is more of a story than just one player yet who knows who emerges if you want to rank who is number one.

Since you asked, will go with Griff. We know he won' t produce the most offense but I think he may be anchor. Key on the penalty kill, some powerplay time, probably on the second unit. When protecting leads late in the game, you want him on the ice much as possible. Of the defenseman over the season, Griff may be the one who will gets the most ice time. He may not be the conventional number one, but he can have an impact in a game even if he does not get any points.

Calvin has been outstanding and he is just getting started, more good things to come. Pulock needs a little work defebsively and on his mobilty, he skates well straight ahead. Nothing fatal, he is the kind who could come on quickly.

You like Calvin, I picked Griff, someone may like Pulock. Each one have important qualities, so will not argue if anyone wants to post their favorite.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

March 26, SM-Liiga playoffs
Karpat 4, HPK 0-Pokka, even. Karpat wins series 4-0.

All series involving Islander prospects are in action tonight.

 

[SI90]

Just got the NHL network.. Do they ever show CHL/junior games?

 

[Renbarg]

Just got the NHL network.. Do they ever show CHL/junior games?

Yes, more so around now. Often times they'll replay games on Saturday and Sunday during the day.

 

[boredmale]

I remember the Scissons draft. I am SURE we didn't go BPA. I remember them saying that the Isles were gonna stick with tradition and draft someone from the West as they've done many many times before. I remember Arbour going up to the podium as well and no one was surprised the team chose Scissons.

If you go with the Hockey News draft preview besides Trevor Kidd Scissons was BPA. In terms of his post draft career, it's hard predicting he would get in injury trouble like he did.

 

[SI90]

Yes, more so around now. Often times they'll replay games on Saturday and Sunday during the day.

Awesome!! Very excited. Now I can do some better scouting. Lol

 

[BillD]

For you PW will give it a try, there is really no right or wrong answer. As you know I follow progress not make predictions.

We understand there is no Denis Potvin, here.
The three leading candidates,CDH, Poulock and Reinhart. Any of the three could be number one, a case can be made for each. The way this looks down the line, the effectiveness of the gruop is more of a story than just one player yet who knows who emerges if you want to rank who is number one.

Since you asked, will go with Griff. We know he won' t produce the most offense but I think he may be anchor. Key on the penalty kill, some powerplay time, probably on the second unit. When protecting leads late in the game, you want him on the ice much as possible. Of the defenseman over the season, Griff may be the one who will gets the most ice time. He may not be the conventional number one, but he can have an impact in a game even if he does not get any points.

Calvin has been outstanding and he is just getting started, more good things to come. Pulock needs a little work defebsively and on his mobilty, he skates well straight ahead. Nothing fatal, he is the kind who could come on quickly.

You like Calvin, I picked Griff, someone may like Pulock. Each one have important qualities, so will not argue if anyone wants to post their favorite.

Looks like we got 3 good ones. Maybe as many as 6. Competition in TC is going to be crazy.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

March 26
Rimouski 5, Chicoutimi 0-Leduc, + 1. Rimiuski wins series 4-0.
Guelph 7, Plymouth 2-VCR, - 1. Guelph leads series 3-1.
Erie 7, Saginaw 3-Pelech, 1 assist, + 1, Graham, 1 assist, - 1. Erie leads series 3-1.
Brandon 5, Regina 4-Pulock, - 1, Burroughs, - 1. Brandon leads series 3-0.
Edmonton 6, Prince Albert 2-Reinhart, - 2. Edmonton wins series 4-0.

 

[JC Numminen]

Hey Islander fans, just stopping buy to tell you how beast Pulock has been in the playoffs. Tonight he looked like a Man vs a bunch of boys. Controlled the play and leveled a few guys. He isn't afraid to jump up in the rush, he went end to end, created two chances, and then got back and stopped the Pats from breaking out.

A few times guys tried to run him and they ended up on the ground.

I think he will be great for you guys.

Cheers!

 

[scott99]

Hey Islander fans, just stopping buy to tell you how beast Pulock has been in the playoffs. Tonight he looked like a Man vs a bunch of boys. Controlled the play and leveled a few guys. He isn't afraid to jump up in the rush, he went end to end, created two chances, and then got back and stopped the Pats from breaking out.

A few times guys tried to run him and they ended up on the ground.

I think he will be great for you guys.

Cheers!

JCJet, thanks so much for the info. I think we are all excited with Griffin Reinhart and Ryan Pulock. Two top notch defensemen. We also have a bunch of other defensemen we are excited about. Definitely an area of strength and excess. Nice to hear about his strength and all around game. Thanks again !

 

[Gfrolek]

Saskatchewan

You bring back memories Scotty. I am with on the Chyzowski thing, I thought he was destined to be a star. A power LW with a disgusting shot, I thought he was good for at least 30 goals/season and was thinking 40+ regularly. Damn Kamloops Blazer, that's all people mentioned that Draft from what I remember when watching it.

MacPherson is a sad story. A friend of mine who was a hockey fanatic was telling me how awesome he was going to be, how he could do it all. Injuries felled him as well as his accident. Tragic story.

I wasn't all that familiar with Chynoweth, I don't think I saw that draft on tv either. I wasn't too invested so I have no real feeling towards him other than he was a bust.

Thinking back, I was a huge Lachance guy in '91. I was like, 'Niedermayer sucks, Lachance is going to be awesome'. Completely missed there too. I think because I didn't like the Kamloops program (because of Chyzowski) contributed to that too.

First post from a long term viewer and life long Islander fan. I was fortunate enough to watch Sakic play in Swift Current in the WHL and was in disbelief when the Islanders drafted Chynowth at 13th over Sakic. I then watched Scissons play unspectacular hockey a year later in Saskatoon before the Islanders picked him 6th. This was after the Islanders won the last 2 games of the year to leaf frog past the Penguins who subsequently drafted Jagr 5th. You're bringing up some very old and very unpleasant memories. Please stop.

 

[scott99]

First post from a long term viewer and life long Islander fan. I was fortunate enough to watch Sakic play in Swift Current in the WHL and was in disbelief when the Islanders drafted Chynowth at 13th over Sakic. I then watched Scissons play unspectacular hockey a year later in Saskatoon before the Islanders picked him 6th. This was after the Islanders won the last 2 games of the year to leaf frog past the Penguins who subsequently drafted Jagr 5th. You're bringing up some very old and very unpleasant memories. Please stop.

Sorry gfrolek, the guys wonder why I go into a rage come draft time, I was just giving some examples of why. Seems to not matter what GM we have, we always seem to screw up at the draft, or just have plain old bad luck. The scary thing is, how could a regular old fan like myself see it happen yet the GMs can't. For instance, a lot of were in shock the Isles drafted Niederreiter instead of Cam Fowler, seems like another draft blunder.