HOCK.ly - Future of Hockey Content June 25, 2013 | Page 61

Austin Watson is a big body that is continuing to develop his game in Milwaukee. He is rugged, skates well, and has shown that he can score. Watson had a brief visit with the Predators late in the season as injuries forced his call up. Watson took some time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NHL game. I project Watson as a third line center in the NHL.

Daniel Bang is a big winger that showed he enjoys the physical aspects of the NHL game in his brief late season stint with the Predators. He skates surprisingly well for a big man but has yet to develop a scoring touch. If he can add that aspect to his game, Bang could be a welcome addition to the Predators line up.

Filip Forsberg was acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals, and he could be a special player. He had a brief late season run with the Predators and he demonstrated good hands, great hockey sense, and the ability to get himself in good scoring position. Forsberg is 18, and as he continues to mature, could be a highly skilled scorer that the Predators desperately need. He will not be the most physical player on the ice, but his skill set shows the potential to be an elite player.

- Mark Willoughby, theviewfrom111 & HockeyIndependent.com

NJ DEVILS

After a hot start to the lockout shortened season, the New Jersey Devils faltered down the stretch, missing the postseason for the second time in three years. Key injuries to Dainius Zubrus, Martin Brodeur and Ilya Kovalchuk sank the team into the bottom third of the standings. Part of it had to do with bad luck, a terrible shootout record (2-7), but most of all, an inability to put the puck in the net.

They will have the 9th overall pick in the upcoming 2013 NHL Draft hosted by the team in Newark, New Jersey. With that, general manager Lou Lamoriello chose to retain the team’s first round pick this year. With that, the organization will be forced to surrender their 2014 first round pick as a penalty for the Kovalchuk contract signed in 2010, which was viewed by the NHL as an attempt to circumvent the salary cap.

STATE OF THE TEAM

A lot could change for New Jersey based on their work in the off-season. A slew of veteran forwards and defensemen are set to become free agents on July 5th. That list includes Patrick Elias, Dainius Zubrus, David Clarkson, and Marek Zidlicky. Next, there are the restricted free agents, featuring 2012 playoff hero Adam Henrique, Swedish first round picks Jacob Josefson and Mattias Tedenby, and the surprising Andrei Loktionov.

Starting in the back end, Brodeur and backup goaltender Johan Hedburg have one more year left on their contracts. Both goalies look to bounce back after a shaky year. On the blueline, the defense played stoutly. The main issue was getting everyone playing time. With eight defensemen, most of them greybeards, it was hard for youngsters Adam Larsson and Peter Harold to draw huge minutes. Andy Greene established himself at the team’s best defenseman after a terrific season (4g, 12a, +12 rating). Up front, the gap left by the departed Zach Parise was never addressed, forcing head coach Peter DeBoer to mix and match his lines. Travis Zajac showed he missed his former linemate, struggling to put up consistent numbers. Kovalchuk never had stapled linemates to build chemistry with. Even the CBGB line (Ryan Carter, Steve Bernier, Stephen Gionta) was broken up to try to patch the scoring issues. Lamoriello’s acquisitions of Steve Sullivan, Matt D’Agostini and Alex Ponikarovsky fizzled out as none of them could help solve the scoring struggles towards the end of the season.

TEAM NEEDS

New Jersey lacks highly skilled forwards with top-six potential. Other than Reid Boucher and boom/bust prospects Harri Pesonen & Artur Gavrus, most of their forwards are two-way depth players. They also have only one right wing prospect in Mike Sislo. The defense is loaded and doesn’t need more bodies. Also, their four goaltender prospects are not expected to become elite puck stoppers.

PREDICTIONS:

Last year, the Devils used six of their seven picks on forwards. Look for Lamoriello to continue that trend to stock up the farm system. New Jersey has the 9th, 39th, 100th, and 160th picks. With good positioning, they can select some quality players. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team trade one of their veteran defenseman for anther pick in the later rounds.

New Jersey may end up selecting C/LW Hunter Shunkaruk with their first round pick. The left-handed shooter from Medicine Hat of the WHL is quick, possesses good hockey sense, excellent offensive tools along with a great shot. Should power forward Valeri Nichuskin fall into the Devils lap, they should take him, but it’s unlikely he will tumble that far. Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan are not bad choices either, but Shinkaruk addresses their immediate need for an offensive spark, and one of the best pure scorers in this year’s draft class.

SECOND ROUND PREDICTION: RW Justin Bailey (Kitchener Rangers), RW/C Zach Nastasiuk (Owen Sound Attack)

- John Alfonso Iadevaia of Hockeys Future & HockeyIndependent.com

NY ISLANDERS

The New York Islanders reached adolescents during the shortened 2012-13 NHL hockey season. The "babies" Garth Snow drafted and that have begun to form the nucleus of the Islanders managed to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time as a team. They did it with some key veteran support, but they managed to overcome a slowish start to lock up the 8th seed and a first round dance with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

They may have come up short in the playoffs, but the New York Islanders and Garth Snow can't just be satisfied with making the playoffs and believing this draft is any less important than 2008 or 2009. Those drafts have yielded Islander mainstays John Tavares (1st overall in 2009), Josh Bailey (9th overall in 2008) Travis Hamonic (53rd overall in 2008) Matt Martin (148th overall in 2008) and Casey Cizikas (92nd overall in 2009). Together with Islander picks Kyle Okposo (6th overall in 2006), Andrew MacDonald (160th overall in 2006) and Frans Nielsen (87th overall in 2002) the Islanders have established a hard working home grown team. And there is a lot more "home grown" yet to come!

IN THE SYSTEM

2008 Draft Class

Kevin Poulin (126th overall) has taken the place of oft injured Rick DiPietro and served as backup to Evgeni Nabakov through the second half of the season. He managed to get a win, and played well enough to remain with the big club. While his spot is not assured going into training camp, it does seem to be his spot to lose. Anders Nilsson (62nd overall in 2009) would be Poulin's most immediate competition, and he is coming off of an injury filled season. The aforementioned DiPietro could be a compliance buyout candidate within the next few weeks, and with his injury concerns, and poor play, it seems likely we will not be seeing DiPietro wearing Islander colors again.

Matt Donovan (96th overall) has done everything the Islanders have asked of him, and has proven to be a rock for the Bridgeport Soundtigers. With the trade of Mark Streit, there is a roster spot available, and it is Donovan's to lose. While it has to be earned by Donovan, the free agent market is not exactly flush with blueliners, and barring an impact trade, Donovan has a legitimate shot to crack the opening night NHL roster.

Kirill Petrov (73rd overall) continues to select the KHL over the NHL, and while he has matured, he has not made the jump to the NHL. Without a transfer agreement, the Islanders remain in wait and see mode. It is not clear how long or if the Islanders will wait as they have numerous prospects to consider.

David Ullstrom (102nd overall) while playing well in some games, sitting some games out, and several times injured has opted to sign with the KHL. Ullstrom has some ability, but could not stay in the Islander lineup for a variety of reasons. Perhaps at some point he will return, but for now he has to be considered out of the Islander picture.

Aaron Ness (40th overall) played a handful of games a few seasons back, and despite his small stature, played reasonably well. However with the emerging Matt Donovan, the addition of Lubomir Visnovsky, Brian Strait and Thomas Hickey, Ness may have a difficult time making the Islanders this season.

2009 Draft Class

While many see this draft as all about John Tavares, there are more then a few players who could prove important to the Islanders from 2009.

Calvin de Haan (12th overall) has had a difficult start to his pro career. A few injury set backs have slowed his development, yet the Islanders rightfully so are not giving up just yet. de Haan has to much talent and skill to be dismissed. If he can manage to remain healthy through a full season in Bridgeport, he could likely be right back at the top of the Islander prospect depth chart on defense.

As mentioned Anders Nilsson also had serious injury setbacks in 2012-13. He will need to remain healthy to climb back into the Islander goaltending picture.

Anders Lee (152nd overall) could prove yet to be quite the late round gem for the Islanders. Lee posted stellar numbers throughout his Notre Dame career, and while playing in his first NHL game this year, managed a goal. Lee plays a solid 2-way game, and could become an effective bottom 6 player who can contribute offensively. While having a shot at making the 2013-14 Islanders, Lee could be better suited to the AHL short term to develop a bit further. The Islanders have correctly not rushed him, and should allow him the time to mature.

2010 Draft Class

Nino Niederreiter (5th overall) was certainly the victim of a little misfortune (injured at the start of 2011-12) and could not get back into the swing of things. His numbers were not what the ISlanders were hoping for, and getting 4th line minutes was not optimal for Nino. The lockout further made things difficult, and with a short training camp, Nino did not get a camp invite, despite putting up point-per-game numbers in Bridgeport. After a request for a trade and then some back-peddling, Nino continued his stellar play in the AHL. If his agent and his clear immaturity in the way he has handled himself this season off the ice don't get him traded, Nino has as good a shot as anyone to make the Islander top 6 to start the 2013-14 season. He needs to settle down, and do what the coaches are asking of him if he is to remain on Long Island and join a rapidly improving core.

Brock Nelson (30th overall) is often times forgotten perhaps because of the way he was drafted. the Islanders traded up to make him the last selection of the first round. Nelson's size and skill have developed well, and he had an outstanding season in Bridgeport. He earned himself a call-up to play in the final playoff game against the Penguins. A lot to ask of a young man. Certainly the Islanders have confidence in Mr. Nelson, and he should get a long look at camp.

Kirill Kabanov (65th overall) much like Calvin de Haan has lots of skill and some real bad luck. Kabanov missed long stretches of time due to injury. Prior to getting hurt it seems Kabanov has matured some and could yet be a factor for the Islanders, but is likely in need of at least a full healthy season in Bridgeport.

2011 Draft Class

Ryan Strome (5th overall) might be one of the top 3-4 prospects in hockey. Putting up gaudy numbers throughout his junior career, the Islanders love what he has accomplished. Signed to a pro contract and playing some games in Bridgeport with some success does not guarantee Strome a roster spot in 2013-14, but if he comes to training camp and dominates, he will make the Islanders. there is no denying Strome's ability and he has the potential to light up the Islanders behind John Tavares.

Scott Mayfield (34th overall) brings size and snarl to his game, and the Islanders have liked his development. He will likely play in Bridgeport next season to become acclimated to the pro game, but big things could be in store for Mayfield in the not so far off future.

Johan Sundstrom (50th overall) has played well for Bridgeport and will likely get a look at training camp. While not putting up the numbers of teammates like Nelson and Niederreiter, Sundstrom was steady all season. John Persson (125th overall) will also get a look at training camp. He too had a solid campaign for the Soundtigers

Andrey Pedan (63rd overall) and Robbie Russo (95th overall) have continued their development as well.

2012 Draft Class

Griffin Reinhart (4th overall) Villie Pokka (34th overall) and Adam Pelech (65th overall) lead an all defense draft class for the Islanders that has size and some grit. These players continue to develop and remain some years away.

2013 DRAFT CHOICES

There are a number of options for the New York Islanders at the 2013 draft, including dealing the pick to obtain an established player. Garth Snow has his price in his mind as he has proven time and again. He will not overpay. But if the right deal comes along, Snow might be more willing in 2013 to trade the pick with such a deep system. He may try to poach off a cap strapped team, or he could shoot for the moon with a team looking to move an asset they can long afford but who is just entering his prime.

Picking at #15, the Islanders are more than likely seeking the player they feel is the best available player. They could draft a defender, a forward or perhaps even a goalie.

I believe the Islanders will have a choice to make between Bo Horvat, Anthony Mantha, Samuel Morin and Ryan Pulock.

If available at 15, I am not sure how the Islanders could pass on Horvat. He brings a solid combination of a 2-way game that would be difficult to pass up. If Horvat is gone, he may be a "stretch" at 15, but I like Ryan Pulock very much.

While the Islanders could address a positional need, and possibly take goalie Zach Fucale, I believe that they will give Poulin and Nilsson some time and possibly sign a free agent goalie before using a 1st round pick on a goalie. One thing is assured — Garth Snow has drafted rather well in his tenure as Islander GM, and has showed patience with his players (perhaps Josh Bailey and Nino Niederreiter are the exceptions) in their development. Whom eve