So many options right now for me...I love the two Finnish players, Terevainen and Matta, I love the Swedes, Collberg, Aberg, Bystrom, Lindholm (Not high on Forsberg), then you got the Czechs, Faksa and Hertl. The NA players I like are Galchenyuk, Dumba, or Murray. Also am pretty high on Girgensons
I am strongly of the opinion that whoever takes Murray will likely have him in their line-up next season. 'Maturity' and 'readiness' are things folks seem to think he has in spades.
Since 2007, we've only taken one Dman in the first round, and he came after Tavares in the same draft. The team moved no less than four assets to get him, three being pretty valuable, and ironically took him ahead of another Dman who was not only rated higher than him by every agency, but who has already played 3 full NHL seasons and presently plays solid NHL hockey in all three zones with continued offensive upside. Kulikov would be having a career year were it not for his first injury issues.
Be that as it may, we've gotten Okposo, Bailey, Tavares, Niederreiter, Nelson and Strome in the first round since 2007.
There's a definite trend to be seen there. Is that now enough up front, especially in light of no less than 5 other later rounders who are pushing big for NHL roles?
I strongly felt last summer that if Larsson was gone, this team was going forward one way or the other.
I don't have that feeling this year.
There were a lot of rumors, that the isles tried hard to trade up at the 2008 draft,wanting any one of Doughty ,Bogo or Pietranglo.
Since we ended up getting Hamonic in the 2nd round of that draft,I kind of feel we got a stud blueliner,despite Snow not being able to move up.
So many options right now for me...I love the two Finnish players, Terevainen and Matta, I love the Swedes, Collberg, Aberg, Bystrom, Lindholm (Not high on Forsberg), then you got the Czechs, Faksa and Hertl. The NA players I like are Galchenyuk, Dumba, or Murray. Also am pretty high on Girgensons
Galchenyuk is the most interesting to me.....The kid missed the entire season and still all the scouts are extreamly high on him....
If we are in the 3-5 range I like Dumba and Murray(assuming Yak and the Grig are gone) but Even with Strome and the Isles need on D, I could see Snow plucking Galchenyuk for some reason.....
As much as I would love Dumba Murray or Trouba, there will be plenty of D to take in the 2nd and 3rd that still can become good players....
I would actually take Dumba 1st overall, and the teams who are in the running have good reason to. Columbus has been burned by highly touted Russian prospects twice, in fact, the only two who they've taken in the first round completely busted. Edmonton has young studs on offense, so a dynamic defenseman like Dumba makes a ton of sense. The Russian factor scares me, as an Islander fan. I could see Montreal taking Yakupov, but that's because Original Six teams will appeal to almost any hockey player, and Yakupov won't pull any KHL crap, in that case.
When I see Dumba and Ryan Murray, I see Scott LaChance and Scott Niedermayer, one of them is sure and steady, the other is oozing with raw talent. Although history is not cyclical, Scott Niedermayer's raw talent, which also grew into leadership and reliability, prevailed over Scott LaChance's well roundedness. I'm going with Dumba, but I'm not at all convinced that Charles Wang, Garth Snow, Kevin Connolly, or who ever picks the team's players, feels the same way.
Columbus has been burned by highly touted Russian prospects twice, in fact, the only two who they've taken in the first round completely busted.
Good point - they may look to drop a spot or two if possible and then grab maybe Murray.
Gonna be hard to drop though. Looking like there's gonna be some uncertainty at the top of the order, what with all these injury issues, especially amongst the Russians.
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Edmonton has young studs on offense, so a dynamic defenseman like Dumba makes a ton of sense.
Knowing Edmonton, they'd be much more likely to grab Murray than Dumba.
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The Russian factor scares me, as an Islander fan. I could see Montreal taking Yakupov, but that's because Original Six teams will appeal to almost any hockey player, and Yakupov won't pull any KHL crap, in that case.
They could surely use a guy like him. Or Grigorenko.
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When I see Dumba and Ryan Murray, I see Scott LaChance and Scott Niedermayer, one of them is sure and steady, the other is oozing with raw talent.
Uhhhh, I think not. And if so, it's Murray who is Niedermayer.
I don't think we have to worry about Dumba, Trouba or even Rielly. They can all be good NHLers.
Reinhart, Ceci, Koekkoek and Maatta could all be top 15-20 picks too. It's looking likely.
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I'm going with Dumba, but I'm not at all convinced that Charles Wang, Garth Snow, Kevin Connolly, or who ever picks the team's players, feels the same way.
Well, they also technically have a staff of 10-15 guys to listen to who have spent years watching these guys.
They'll each turn in a report saying who they'd take and why. Snow will add those factors into a decision, as always.
They're obviously much more well-versed and knowledgeable about these young men than any of us are.
Last edited by Chapin Landvogt: 03-16-2012 at 09:05 PM.
I'm not sure that Dumba would be that good a fit for the Isles. If we draft, say, #4, there are too many sure things to take a chance on someone who is not close to NHL ready, still needs to develop his defensive side, and whose game might not translate to the NHL. The closest parallel I see to him is Kasparitus, who could generate crowd pleasing hits but would not otherwise be considered a top defenseman on a winning squad.
The Isles have a number of players on 4-5 year contracts, so if the Isles go D, I'd prefer that they lean towards someone more NHL-ready and can contribute to a winning team during this 4-5 year window). For that reason, I would also not want Trouba, as he is college-bound and probably 3-4 years away. My first choice would be Murray, and I also feel Reinhardt and Ceci would also be good fits for what the Isles need (good size, good speed, close to NHL-ready).
Good point - they may look to drop a spot or two if possible and then grab maybe Murray.
Gonna be hard to drop though. Looking like there's gonna be some uncertainty at the top of the order, what with all these injury issues, especially amongst the Russians.
Knowing Edmonton, they'd be much more likely to grab Murray than Dumba.
They could surely use a guy like him. Or Grigorenko.
Uhhhh, I think not. And if so, it's Murray who is Niederreiter.
I don't think we have to worry about Dumba, Trouba or even Rielly. They can all be good NHLers.
Reinhart, Ceci, Koekkoek and Maatta could all be top 15-20 picks too. It's looking likely.
Well, they also technically have a staff of 10-15 guys to listen to who have spent years watching these guys.
They'll each turn in a report saying who they'd take and why. Snow will add those factors into a decision, as always.
They're obviously much more well-versed and knowledgeable about these young men than any of us are.
I knew this was going to happen:
I'm not suggesting that anyone is going to be the next anything. What I am saying is that scouting and drafting is such an inexact science, and based on reputation heading into the draft, Ryan Murray is a lot like Scott LaChance in his well-roundedness, and Matthew Dumba is a lot like Scott Niedermayer in terms of his high-end skill, but perhaps isn't as heady as Murray is.
Honestly, I don't really care who the Islanders pick. It's only a draft. John Tavares is the only truly great draft pick that the Islanders made since Pat LaFontaine. Anyone who wants to throw Tim Connolly, Darius Kasparaitis, Roberto Lungo, or Todd Bertuzzi at me, that's fine, I can promise you that I can tear down anyone's case, and show that these players aren't and weren't great.
I'm not suggesting that anyone is going to be the next anything. What I am saying is that scouting and drafting is such an inexact science, and based on reputation heading into the draft, Ryan Murray is a lot like Scott LaChance in his well-roundedness, and Matthew Dumba is a lot like Scott Niedermayer in terms of his high-end skill, but perhaps isn't as heady as Murray is.
Honestly, I don't really care who the Islanders pick. It's only a draft. John Tavares is the only truly great draft pick that the Islanders made since Pat LaFontaine. Anyone who wants to throw Tim Connolly, Darius Kasparaitis, Roberto Lungo, or Todd Bertuzzi at me, that's fine, I can promise you that I can tear down anyone's case, and show that these players aren't and weren't great.
Come on BW, I smell BS from several states away with this. You care, I know you do!
I totally get your LaChance and Neidermayer references. I remember watching that Draft, it was the infamous Eric Lindros year. Murray's scouting report reads very similarly to LaChance's back then. The safe bet to get a Ryan Suter-esque d-man that the Isles could definitely use. WYSIWYG is the appropriate term I guess.
Dumba, like Neidermayer has the term 'dynamic' attached to their scouting reports. Neidermayer tore it up at Kamloops and was considered the next Paul Coffey. Dumba is being compared to Phaneuf and Subban - a wild card who could be a game-breaker. Dumba may be known for his big hits, but this kid has elite skills otherwise. His skating is elite, it has to be for him to be able to lay out people the way he does. The guy has more offensive upside than Phaneuf or Subban IMO. He may need a year or two, but this kid could be our Potvin-lite when he makes it to LI.
This is what the draft is all about, a promise of a better day. Some relief to the long season.
Come on BW, I smell BS from several states away with this. You care, I know you do!
I totally get your LaChance and Neidermayer references. I remember watching that Draft, it was the infamous Eric Lindros year. Murray's scouting report reads very similarly to LaChance's back then. The safe bet to get a Ryan Suter-esque d-man that the Isles could definitely use. WYSIWYG is the appropriate term I guess.
Dumba, like Neidermayer has the term 'dynamic' attached to their scouting reports. Neidermayer tore it up at Kamloops and was considered the next Paul Coffey. Dumba is being compared to Phaneuf and Subban - a wild card who could be a game-breaker. Dumba may be known for his big hits, but this kid has elite skills otherwise. His skating is elite, it has to be for him to be able to lay out people the way he does. The guy has more offensive upside than Phaneuf or Subban IMO. He may need a year or two, but this kid could be our Potvin-lite when he makes it to LI.
This is what the draft is all about, a promise of a better day. Some relief to the long season.
There's always someone to ruin my state of denial. Thanks.
With the Islanders entering last night's game against the Canadiens in 15th in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Montreal and a dozen points from eighth with 11 games to play, it might be time to look ahead to the June draft.
The Isles, who fought into March to stay relevant in the playoff hunt, are 28th in the league right now -- farther back than they were after 71 games last season, even though they are two points ahead of last season's total to this point.
"I was talking to Steve Yzerman and he told me Murray reminded him of Mark Howe," said the onetime NHL goalie.
Not Scott Niedermayer, as many people think?
"No," said Soetaert. "I'm not just saying this because I had Ryan and I saw him play all the time, but Ryan could play in the NHL right now. For me, he's better than (Cam) Fowler (when he came into the NHL). I think he's better than Luke Schenn and Tyler Myers (WHL first-round picks of the Leafs and Sabres). He's a coach's dream. At 16, he was playing against 20-year-olds in our league. Makes a great first pass."
"I was talking to Steve Yzerman and he told me Murray reminded him of Mark Howe," said the onetime NHL goalie.
Not Scott Niedermayer, as many people think?
"No," said Soetaert. "I'm not just saying this because I had Ryan and I saw him play all the time, but Ryan could play in the NHL right now. For me, he's better than (Cam) Fowler (when he came into the NHL). I think he's better than Luke Schenn and Tyler Myers (WHL first-round picks of the Leafs and Sabres). He's a coach's dream. At 16, he was playing against 20-year-olds in our league. Makes a great first pass."
We better stay in the two spot and pick him, I swear to GOD if Garth passes him up if he's on the board...we need a top pairing LH defenseman for Hamonic. Obviously it won't be next year but down the road...
And yes I've changed my mind about Dumba v. Murray
We better stay in the two spot and pick him, I swear to GOD if Garth passes him up if he's on the board...we need a top pairing LH defenseman for Hamonic. Obviously it won't be next year but down the road...
And yes I've changed my mind about Dumba v. Murray
I've been leaning toward Dumba or Trouba because of they play a more physical game ,but I'll be pretty happy landing any of the three.All have great upside.
I've been leaning toward Dumba or Trouba because of they play a more physical game ,but I'll be pretty happy landing any of the three.All have great upside.
This is how I feel.
Also Trouba might take a little longer to get to the big club than the other 2
I hope Dumba is available when they draft... If they take Forsberg, I'm going to be pissed. I like Trouba a lot, but it looks like the islanders will be drafting top 5.
I think and hope we take Dumba. Cannot see Murray get past EDM. I think Dumba could explode offensively like Dougie Hamilton if he's back in Junior. I like that Trouba is headed to the NCAA for the fact that he won't be starting in the NHL right away.
I think and hope we take Dumba. Cannot see Murray get past EDM. I think Dumba could explode offensively like Dougie Hamilton if he's back in Junior. I like that Trouba is headed to the NCAA for the fact that he won't be starting in the NHL right away.
In addition, with Persson having played with Dumba in Red Deer, you gotta think that the Isles' staff has seen a good bit of him in recent years.
If we pick 3rd we will have a very tough decision to make. Definitely a great position to be in with all the talent available, but Garth will need to make the right choice.
If Murray goes 2nd, I expect Grigorenko will be the pick or GMG will trade down a couple of spots to grab a defenseman. Tough to pass up on a kid that talented though.
If we had the choice (after winning the lottery (lol)), who would you choose Nail Yakupov or Ryan Murray?
I'd go Nail. I like Moulson and Parenteau (if signed) on JT's wings due to chemistry and having Yakupov would be insane to have as a secondary threat, mess with the other teams as far as matchups go.
If we had the choice (after winning the lottery (lol)), who would you choose Nail Yakupov or Ryan Murray?
If I'm Snow, I'd be tempted to trade to the 3rd to 5th slot, get additional assets (2nd rounder), get Dumba or Trouba. Trade our 2nd rounder and the one we obtained for the 1st overall to move back into the 1st hopefully winding up with Brendan Gaunce, who's overall game I love. If Gaunce shoots up to like 7th or 8th overall I would not be surprised one bit.
-Not sold on Yakupov for some reason, vulnerable to injury maybe?
-Grigorenko, super skilled, but soft IMO.
-I like Murray, he is the "safest" top prospect, good team guy, skater, closest to NHL ready.
I love Dumba's upside, we could desperately use a defenseman who likes to hit. His offensive ceiling is higher than Murray's. He is more of a home-run pick versus Murray.
Trouba has a lot of the similar attributes as Dumba, though bigger with less offensive upside.
BTW, I know it's early but I think 2013 will be an awesome draft. Nathan Mackinnon and Seth Jones namely. Sad but true we will be in the hunt for either player next season Though being a CT resident I'm pumped for Grigorenko's teammate Adam Erne who's from CT, a likely lottery selection.
If we had the choice (after winning the lottery (lol)), who would you choose Nail Yakupov or Ryan Murray?
I'd rather see Murray, but primarily because I know we desperately need a Dman of his nature on the team and in the system and think Yakupov, who is skills galore, has already had too many head problems for my money.
He's become a risky pick.
If neither is available, the team should be very happy in taking Dumba or Grigorenko. Both have attributes that can lead one to think they'll long be big-time players in this league.
Though being a CT resident I'm pumped for Grigorenko's teammate Adam Erne who's from CT, a likely lottery selection.
