The draft weekend was a success for the New York Islanders and they need to spin that positive momentum into the Free Agency period which starts tomorrow. For all the good vibes that were created at the draft, this could all could all come to screeching halt if nothing happens this week. If the Islanders have any chance of sniffing a playoff spot, they must fill some major holes through free agency. This is something that this organization has frankly failed at in recent years, so despite the talks about how this year will be different, I am going to remain skeptical until I actually see it.
Before we look at free agency, let’s look back at this past weekend’s draft. The Isles aggressively tried to trade the fifth overall pick in the draft, however the deals were not there. The problem right now is the Isles are trying to make deals without including Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson, Griffin Reinhart or Ryan Pulock. There lies the problem, improve your current roster without trading a large part of your future.
With no deals worth trading for, Islanders’ General Manager Garth Snow kept his pick and drafted gifted winger Michael Dal Colle. Many draft experts believe that he will be the best goal scorer out of this draft as his shot and release are off the charts. The Islanders also made a splash moving into the end of the first round to draft Josh Ho-Sang. Ho-Sang is considered an off the chart offensive prospect but his stock fell because scouts believe he is selfish and cocky. I find it amusing that character flaws in other sports include cheating, getting kicked out of school, drug use or getting arrested but in the NHL “character flaws" are defined as being overconfident.
On the second day of the draft the Isles tried to restock their pool of goalies drafting one in both the third and fourth rounds. We all know the hardest position to project is goalie so you have to believe that if you keep drafting a couple, one of them is going to pan out. One can only hope. They also took a couple of overage college players who are coming off promising season at the university level. It was a solid weekend for the Isles as they added some talent to the forward and goalie position and hopefully some of these kids will be making a huge impact on the big club in a few years’ time.
With the draft behind us this is quite honestly a massive week for Islanders G.M. Garth Snow. He cannot have a repeat performance of last season. If this team is going to be competitive it must, at worse, bring in a top four defenseman and a backup goalie. The team also needs a top six winger, but the defense must be priority number one. Of course adding a top four dman will be easier said than done as this is the thinnest position available via free agency. This is where a trade is still possible, as Snow must find a cap stricken team and pry away a defenseman.
I honestly don’t know what to expect tomorrow. I want to think that this team will be aggressive and look to make a massive splash but recent history keeps my guard up. The first day of the free agent period is like Christmas morning for most fans in this league. All too often, Islander fans have nothing to show for besides a few lumps of coal in their stockings. This year must be different, it has to be. Garth Snow knows that the Islanders have to compete for a playoff spot next season. Tomorrow is a chance for the organization to prove that it is ready to be taken seriously.
I will be on hockey buzz throughout the day tomorrow updating the Isles thread with news or rumors that may be surfacing. Also look I may be paying a visit to Ecklund’s video podcast and if I am on I will let you guys know. As Always for more on all things hockey, please follow me on twitter at @dandannoodles78.