Don't forget, its fun to watch the kids develop
- Cptmjl

Yes that DP kid developed into quite the Player

Ovechkin taunting Rags fans after that snipe was gold

I don't know exactly where Dumba is now on the charts but I feel he is the best option for this team based on what I have read. Not just because of his overall game but his presence and charisma. Other than JT who is only the face based on his production, I feel this team needs an outgoing face. He loves to hit so that's a big plus and he has an offensive side to him.
- BringBackBalky

I think they are going to pick Murray if he is there...he fits what they are looking for. I wouldn't be suprised if Edmonton moves down a notch or two and select Murray...

Don't forget, its fun to watch the kids develop
- Cptmjl

Just a little blurb, on the talent-level of this year's draft class, from Corey Pronman's (of Hockey Prospectus/ESPN) primer to his top-100 draft eligible prospects list that comes out hopefully tonight. So you can bet I will be talking draft tomorrow

As this is usually a popular request via Twitter, I will also outline how I see the draft class:

I have gotten several questions or comments referring to the 2012 draft class being weak. If you had asked me about that back in December I would been inclined to say the class is indeed weak. Which is why I don't like to make judgments on a draft class until the spring because players like Radek Faksa, Teuvo Teravainen, Ludvig Bystrom, Hampus Lindholm, Tim Bozon, Matt Finn, and Ville Pokka amongst many others have had good years emerge throughout the course of a year and make the draft class look better. I think the draft class in 2012 is fine talent-wise, however based on the fact a lot of the top talents are defensemen, I feel a first round pick has slightly less value than usual not because the talent level is worse, but because there is more average risk on a first round pick this year due to the variance on drafted defensemen.

This is a defense-heavy top of the class, but I do not think any defensemen have #1 D potential. So while I did make a systematic change to ranking defense, due to this class the change was not that dramatic at the top. The top two between Yakupov and Grigorenko are an established top tier with superstar talent levels. Alex Galchenyuk is the third and last legit star talent in this draft class as well. In my opinion, there is a talent draft off in my rankings after Ryan Murray and another slight drop after Zemgus Girgensons after whom, the slow marginal decrease in talent level begins towards the end of the draft.

I think they are going to pick Murray if he is there...he fits what they are looking for. I wouldn't be suprised if Edmonton moves down a notch or two and select Murray...
- kear20

I doubt Edmonton trades out of the top spot to pass on Yakupov. You can't pass on a talent like that. But, if the Oilers are entertaining trades for that top pick, the Isles should try to move Heaven and Earth to get to that spot. Yakupov and JT together would be dynamic.

I doubt Edmonton trades out of the top spot to pass on Yakupov. You can't pass on a talent like that. But, if the Oilers are entertaining trades for that top pick, the Isles should try to move Heaven and Earth to get to that spot. Yakupov and JT together would be dynamic.
- Jethro09

Absolutely not. The asking price would be
Strome + first
Niño + first
Or hamonic and 1

Strome could be a future #1 center
Niño could still pan out to be a 6'3 215 lb winger we need
And hamonic is going to be the next sutter, and Hes bigger

I see Strome on a line w/JT & Moulson, I believe Strome works out with them in the off-season, thats the 1 reason why we drafted him.
I think the Isles envision Brock Nelson as the 2nd line Center, in the future....
- Ur Not Me

I would just like to see the Isles take on players that better the team and not just because they are "buddies" with someone. Whether it's draft picks or FA, it seems Snow has a system that if someone in the organization is friendly with someone, they give them a chance. Enough already! No more country club atmosphere, just make this team better period!

Absolutely not. The asking price would be
Strome + first
Niño + first
Or hamonic and 1

Strome could be a future #1 center
Niño could still pan out to be a 6'3 215 lb winger we need
And hamonic is going to be the next sutter, and Hes bigger
- Danformo

I don't think Edmonton would entertain any of these offers, but I'd do Nino and the first in the blink of any eye. It would be like that Seinfeld scene when Kramer accepts free coffee for life, "I'll take it!"

I would just like to see the Isles take on players that better the team and not just because they are "buddies" with someone. Whether it's draft picks or FA, it seems Snow has a system that if someone in the organization is friendly with someone, they give them a chance. Enough already! No more country club atmosphere, just make this team better period!
- brodydog29

Roloson is that you!! Just kidding I agree 100% but this is the Islanders so look for more of that this year. We sign some guy that ate breakfast with Matt Moulson once when they were 14 years old. We will sign a guy who said Hi to John Tavares in high school. I love my Islanders

It sickens me seeing the Rangers and Devils in and the Islanders out. It bothers me even more Wang could care less we missed the playoffs again.
- ses111

It sickens me too that Wang could care less, but it doesn't bother me that the Devils made it. For the most part, their fans aren't d!cks.

Absolutely not. The asking price would be
Strome + first
Niño + first
Or hamonic and 1

Strome could be a future #1 center
Niño could still pan out to be a 6'3 215 lb winger we need
And hamonic is going to be the next sutter, and Hes bigger
- Danformo

I would do any of these traded in a heart beat. Strome and a first perfect. As you said STrome COULD be a future #1 center and BAiley CO ULD have been that too so Iw ould do that trade. Nino and a first. Well Nino probably would love that as the Islanders seem to hate him so I would do that. Hamonic and a first well that one Id otn know about that we need him, but the first two go right on ahead and thrwo in Bailey for the fun of it

I don't think Edmonton would entertain any of these offers, but I'd do Nino and the first in the blink of any eye. It would be like that Seinfeld scene when Kramer accepts free coffee for life, "I'll take it!"
- Charlie21

If I'm Edmonton I'd do hammer and our first this year

Hammer and , forsberg/gally/grigenko

When forsberg and gally can be equally as good a yukapov. Remember, JT was considered generational
Stammer, hall was considered elite +
RNH and nail Are considered elite,

Those are reasonable offers for nail

I would do any of these traded in a heart beat. Strome and a first perfect. As you said STrome COULD be a future #1 center and BAiley CO ULD have been that too so Iw ould do that trade. Nino and a first. Well Nino probably would love that as the Islanders seem to hate him so I would do that. Hamonic and a first well that one Id otn know about that we need him, but the first two go right on ahead and
- kasperrko

thrwo in Bailey for the fun of it

If I'm Edmonton I'd do hammer and our first this year

Hammer and , forsberg/gally/grigenko

When forsberg and gally can be equally as good a yukapov. Remember, JT was considered generational
Stammer, hall was considered elite +
RNH and nail Are considered elite,

Those are reasonable offers for nail
- Danformo

I could see them doing Hamonic and our first but thankfully we won't do it. I'm all for trades that will help the team but that's one I wouldn't do. Every other offer you mentioned I'd do without hesitation, Hamonic I wouldn't.

I would do any of these traded in a heart beat. Strome and a first perfect. As you said STrome COULD be a future #1 center and BAiley CO ULD have been that too so Iw ould do that trade. Nino and a first. Well Nino probably would love that as the Islanders seem to hate him so I would do that. Hamonic and a first well that one Id otn know about that we need him, but the first two go right on ahead and thrwo in Bailey for the fun of it
- kasperrko

Yeah, Hamonic is a big fat no, the other ones I'd jump all over

I could see them doing Hamonic and our first but thankfully we won't do it. I'm all for trades that will help the team but that's one I wouldn't do. Every other offer you mentioned I'd do without hesitation, Hamonic I wouldn't.
- Cptmjl

Yeah, Hamonic is untouchable as far as I'm concerned. I'm intrigued by Strome, so I would be a little apprehensive on that one. Nino, like I said, in a minute. Bottom line is Islanders cannot afford to trade their best young defensemen for forward. Defense is the glaring issue with this team and I wouldn't be willing to move our best defensemen.

If I'm Edmonton I'd do hammer and our first this year

Hammer and , forsberg/gally/grigenko

When forsberg and gally can be equally as good a yukapov. Remember, JT was considered generational
Stammer, hall was considered elite +
RNH and nail Are considered elite,

Those are reasonable offers for nail
- Danformo

Something to ponder.
What would you think about trading our 1st, KO and A-mac for Edmonton's 1st pick? To much? To little? Or just right?

I'm still not sold on KO.

Yeah, Hamonic is untouchable as far as I'm concerned. I'm intrigued by Strome, so I would be a little apprehensive on that one. Nino, like I said, in a minute. Bottom line is Islanders cannot afford to trade their best young defensemen for forward. Defense is the glaring issue with this team and I wouldn't be willing to move our best defensemen.
- Charlie21

Im intrigued by Strome too, he may have a high ceiling but I'd consider it for Yakupov? The Isles can't afford to give up any defense at this point especially someone of Hamonics level. The return would have to be pretty good as far as I'm concerned and taking a chance on a pick for a legit Dman @ this point makes little sense. I wouldn't count Nino out by any means either, kids just got to be given a chance to put it together or maybe a half a season in BP would do him well?

Something to ponder.
What would you think about trading our 1st, KO and A-mac for Edmonton's 1st pick? To much? To little? Or just right?

I'm still not sold on KO.


- SCLI

I'd consider it. KO has to put it together this season, hes had enough time. The guy isn't consistent and if you aren't consistent in professional sports you're really not that great. He's expendable as far as I'm concerned.

If I'm Edmonton I'd do hammer and our first this year

Hammer and , forsberg/gally/grigenko

When forsberg and gally can be equally as good a yukapov. Remember, JT was considered generational
Stammer, hall was considered elite +
RNH and nail Are considered elite,

Those are reasonable offers for nail
- Danformo

Sorry but JT was not considered, and is not, generational talent. The only one in a long, long time to be considered as generational talent coming into their draft year was Crosby.

Something to ponder.
What would you think about trading our 1st, KO and A-mac for Edmonton's 1st pick? To much? To little? Or just right?

I'm still not sold on KO.


- SCLI

I don't think it's nearly enough for them to even consider moving the pick. An, at best, middle-6 winger and an, at best, 4-5 defenseman + our 1st aren't going to land us Yakupov.

One of Galchenyuk/Grigorenko could to fall to us if we really want to draft a forward. Forsberg will almost definitely be there also. No need to sell the farm for Yakupov.

I don't think it's nearly enough for them to even consider moving the pick. An, at best, middle-6 winger and an, at best, 4-5 defenseman + our 1st aren't going to land us Yakupov.

One of Galchenyuk/Grigorenko could to fall to us if we really want to draft a forward. Forsberg will almost definitely be there also. No need to sell the farm for Yakupov.
- eichiefs9

Who is selling the farm? We are getting rid of KO who lets face it has now wowed anyone as of yet. Amac is a decent defenseman but we can find another one who blocks shots and cant hit the net with a puck. I just know the Islanders and they will pick someone stupid int his draft. Someone who was predicted to pick in like the second round the Islanders will pick with the fourth pick.

I dont know much about Galchenyuk except for reports that he's been great until his prior injury. My question is, how many Centers do you want the Isles to have? Remember we have Tavares for 6yrs, Frans for 4yrs, Cizikas here now, plus Brock Nelson, Johan Sundstrom, Anders Lee on the way...

Plus i dont know if its a good risk on a player who's been injured for a long time, could have more lingering affects possible going forward, plus we dont need that, we have DP, lol
- Ur Not Me

bailey, strome, reasoner....

I don't think it's nearly enough for them to even consider moving the pick. An, at best, middle-6 winger and an, at best, 4-5 defenseman + our 1st aren't going to land us Yakupov.

One of Galchenyuk/Grigorenko could to fall to us if we really want to draft a forward. Forsberg will almost definitely be there also. No need to sell the farm for Yakupov.
- eichiefs9

Actually I want them to draft Murray because his favorite breakfast food is eggs and toast and his favorite cartoon character is Bugs Bunny. Do it!