We have recently had lively discussions about how the Islanders can improve externally through trades and potential free agents, but today I wanted to breakdown the list of prospects who will compete for roster spots on next year’s blue line. While the forward positions are more settled, the defensive spots are clearly up for grabs. With so many talented young d-men in the system I thought we would look at the five favorites to make this team next season.
The clear favorite to make this team out of camp is 2012 first round pick Griffin Reinhart. The towering d-man made the team as the extra defenseman out of camp before being returned to juniors. Reinhart is a slick skating blue liner who has really excelled in his own end playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League. Standing in at 6’4… and 200 pounds, Reinhart oozes potential – especially in his own end. His defensive awareness, positioning and skating are all well above average. I do not know what his potential is offensively, but he clearly will be coming to camp knowing that he can offer a strong defensive game that the Islanders desperately need.
Behind Reinhart is 2013 first rounder Ryan Pulock. While not as tall as Reinhart, Pulock is built like a tank and boasts off-the-chart offensive abilities. Pulock averaged nearly a point a game for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, and at the young age of 19, Ryan has one of the hardest shots in junior hockey. Pulock’s skill set also fits a need for this organization, as they need a puck moving d-man who can also be featured on the power play. A strong case could also be made for 2012 second round pick Ville Pokka. Pokka had a breakout season playing against much older competition in the Finish Elite league where he is a finalist for defenseman of the year. While playing for Karpat, the Isles prospect recorded 6 goals and 21 assists. Pokka has a good combination of offense and defense and has the potential to be a very good puck-moving defenseman at the NHL level. Pokka needs to be signed to his entry-level contract by June and it is still unclear where he will be playing next season, but when this kid gets to an Isles camp, I expect him to turn some heads.
Finally, we will end by taking a look at two prospects who have excelled playing for Bridgeport this season: Scotty Mayfield and Andrey Pedan. Both kids are tall, imposing players who bring some much-needed sandpaper and grit to the Isles. Mayfield’s play stood out on a depleted Sound tiger roster. Scotty tallied 18 points and racked up 129 penalty minutes. He provided strong play in his own end and was a physical presence who patrolled the crease. Pedan’s season was curtailed by injury, but when he was on the ice his play stood out. In just 28 games in Bridgeport, Pedan scored 5 times and added 5 helpers and did not shy away from contact. I believe both players need more time in the AHL and would be a long shot to make the team out of camp, but clearly the talent is there.
This was just a look at the 5 prospects within the organization who I feel are closest to making an impact with the Islanders. The organization is deep with talented kids at this position, but these are the five who are almost ready. I do believe that one rookie will make this team out of camp – and the favorite has to be Reinhart – but we cannot discount the prospects who will be just as hungry for an NHL roster spot.
The competition in this fall’s training camp should be fierce as all of these kids want to show that they belong in the NHL. The Islanders desperately need one to stand out and hopefully make an impact similar to the one that Calvin de Haan made this season. As always, for more on all things hockey, please follow me on Twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.