This piece will be another in my series of player profiles, where I’ll give some thoughts on the performance of a member of the New York Islanders this season. This article will focus on Michael Dal Colle.
In Dal Colle's first full NHL season, the hope was that he could start developing into the player that many had projected him to become.
However, despite getting opportunities with some good linemates this season, he was unable to take the next step in his development. He managed just four goals and 10 points in 53 games this year. Dal Colle often didn’t look comfortable carrying the puck into the zone and was usually unable to keep control of it under pressure. Sometimes he could make good plays with the puck when the Islanders were already set up in the offensive zone but his meaningful contributions didn't come as often as most would have hoped.
At this point, any hopes of Dal Colle becoming a top-six forward are likely unrealistic. He’ll turn 24 years old this June and while there’s a chance he could become a factor at some point, it seems like Dal Colle even becoming a long-term member of the third line could be a reach.
The positive for Dal Colle is that due to the Islanders’ lack of depth on the wing, there’s a chance he gets another shot to prove himself next year. That said, expectations for his development should be lowered after his inability to become an impact player this season.
Check back tomorrow for a player profile on Noah Dobson.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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