Another career minor leaguer in the making IMO.
Improved each year down there in the OHL. Smallish guy, perfect for Bridgeport
so they can push their draft picks on big club.
Btw, you have 17, 18, 19 and 20 year olds in the OHL.
When players put up numbers like that as 17 year olds in their FIRST taste in the OHL. You take notice.
When they progress each year and max out at 20 years of age like Halmo did...well, you get the point.
In other words, don't expect too much.
I wish our media would not just throw out their NUMBERS in these tweets and news flashes. This is nothing to sneeze at, not worth the tissue.
If he put up these numbers at 17 he'd be going number one overall at 18 unless there is some absurd generational talent.
He had a good year offensively at 19 too. But he wasn't signed for his offense, he was signed cause he hits and fights anyone and is presumably skilled enough to play minutes and put up points. Cizikas is a few months younger and didn't go over the 60 point range and had a sub 40 point year in his draft year.
Just like no one should get too excited from his numbers, I think the reverse is true where your overthinking this signing/the reaction to it because of how his numbers have progressed.
EDIT: Bottom line, Islanders need to throw flyers at whoever they can. Not everyone will make it, but the stronger your depth is the better your development system will be which means the real talent will develop better. Maybe this kid makes it as a 4th liner. Maybe he's an AHL'r. Maybe he's nothing. Islanders should be making signings like this regardless of potential outcomes. He plays hard, has gotten better each year, and costed nothing but an ELC.
Last edited by Hipster Doofus: 03-11-2012 at 10:45 PM.
If he put up these numbers at 17 he'd be going number one overall at 18 unless there is some absurd generational talent.
He had a good year offensively at 19 too. But he wasn't signed for his offense, he was signed cause he hits and fights anyone and is presumably skilled enough to play minutes and put up points. Cizikas is a few months younger and didn't go over the 60 point range and had a sub 40 point year in his draft year.
Just like no one should get too excited from his numbers, I think the reverse is true where your overthinking this signing/the reaction to it because of how his numbers have progressed.
EDIT: Bottom line, Islanders need to throw flyers at whoever they can. Not everyone will make it, but the stronger your depth is the better your development system will be which means the real talent will develop better. Maybe this kid makes it as a 4th liner. Maybe he's an AHL'r. Maybe he's nothing. Islanders should be making signings like this regardless of potential outcomes. He plays hard, has gotten better each year, and costed nothing but an ELC.
It's a waste.
This regime has patted themselves on the back over their drafts.
They fail to develop their players and promote non drafted player signings and people eat it up by looking at stats and dreaming.
Project Hope.
I get the whole throwing flyers thing and hoping one or 2 pan out.
But anyone with any semblance of hockey smarts understands that's not how build NOR REBUILD a franchise.
Halmo signs up with Islanders
By BILL WALKER, SUN TIMES SPORTS EDITOR
Every young hockey player might dream about being drafted by a National Hockey League team.
But Mike Halmo found out first hand that having a say in where you go is a special feeling.
"Going through the draft a few times was pretty upsetting and un-motivating at times," the undrafted Owen Sound Attack captain said on Sunday, a day after agreeing to an entry-level deal with the New York Islanders.
"Having a good year in my final season put me in a great position. It was ultimately up to me which team I wanted to go to and where I wanted to play. It really worked out for me in the end."
There were several teams in the hunt for 20-year-old Waterloo native's services.
"There were some other teams in the mix and it just came down to the best opportunity for me to play NHL hockey," said Halmo.
"My family and and my agent and myself looked at all my options. The Islanders are a great organization to go to."
Halmo became a hot commodity this season after scoring 40 goals and almost doubling his point totals to 84 in 66 Ontario Hockey League games.
The 40 goals are more than twice as many (36) than he'd scored in the three previous seasons combined.
And they're a number that even caught him by surprise.
"I remember at my exit meeting last year, (then coach) Mark Reeds saying 'what's in store for next year ... 30 or 40 goals'," said Halmo.
"I kind of laughed at him. Coming into this year, my goal was 30 goals. Halfway through the year I was on pace for more than that. Everything just clicked this year and I'm playing with some great guys who've helped me out and I've got a coaching staff and management that believe in me."
Halmo's also the beneficiary of former Attack teammate Andrew Shaw's success.
"(Halmo) has the intangibles -- the grit, the work ethic, the character that you need. They're just as important to make the NHL. They might be the things that open the doors for him."
Doors that Shaw helped kick open.
"People are saying they don't want to miss the next diamond in the rough," said Ireland. "They've mined so many other areas that if they don't look at these guys coming out as overagers, they might miss the boat."
Halmo signs up with Islanders
By BILL WALKER, SUN TIMES SPORTS EDITOR
Every young hockey player might dream about being drafted by a National Hockey League team.
But Mike Halmo found out first hand that having a say in where you go is a special feeling.
"Going through the draft a few times was pretty upsetting and un-motivating at times," the undrafted Owen Sound Attack captain said on Sunday, a day after agreeing to an entry-level deal with the New York Islanders.
"Having a good year in my final season put me in a great position. It was ultimately up to me which team I wanted to go to and where I wanted to play. It really worked out for me in the end."
There were several teams in the hunt for 20-year-old Waterloo native's services.
"There were some other teams in the mix and it just came down to the best opportunity for me to play NHL hockey," said Halmo.
"My family and and my agent and myself looked at all my options. The Islanders are a great organization to go to."
Halmo became a hot commodity this season after scoring 40 goals and almost doubling his point totals to 84 in 66 Ontario Hockey League games.
The 40 goals are more than twice as many (36) than he'd scored in the three previous seasons combined.
And they're a number that even caught him by surprise.
"I remember at my exit meeting last year, (then coach) Mark Reeds saying 'what's in store for next year ... 30 or 40 goals'," said Halmo.
"I kind of laughed at him. Coming into this year, my goal was 30 goals. Halfway through the year I was on pace for more than that. Everything just clicked this year and I'm playing with some great guys who've helped me out and I've got a coaching staff and management that believe in me."
Halmo's also the beneficiary of former Attack teammate Andrew Shaw's success.
"(Halmo) has the intangibles -- the grit, the work ethic, the character that you need. They're just as important to make the NHL. They might be the things that open the doors for him."
Doors that Shaw helped kick open.
"People are saying they don't want to miss the next diamond in the rough," said Ireland. "They've mined so many other areas that if they don't look at these guys coming out as overagers, they might miss the boat."
To sum it up basically......** I decided to go to the Islanders because they have a unique combination of Sucking and having lots of injuries, so if Im ever going to make the NHL one day, I feel my best shot is with them.}
Last edited by Homeland Security: 03-12-2012 at 10:34 AM.
Reason: Copyright issues with QP
To sum it up basically......** I decided to go to the Islanders because they have a unique combination of Sucking and having lots of injuries, so if Im ever going to make the NHL one day, I feel my best shot is with them.}
Honestly, why don't more college free agents think this way? How many guys like Matt Gilroy might be experiencing better careers if they set themselves up to play more?
Honestly, why don't more college free agents think this way? How many guys like Matt Gilroy might be experiencing better careers if they set themselves up to play more?
It would be good for the Isles.... I believe Jack Hillen was a College FA that we signed and he was solid imo....He would of been better than Mottau.....
It's a waste.
This regime has patted themselves on the back over their drafts.
They fail to develop their players and promote non drafted player signings and people eat it up by looking at stats and dreaming.
Project Hope.
I get the whole throwing flyers thing and hoping one or 2 pan out.
But anyone with any semblance of hockey smarts understands that's not how build NOR REBUILD a franchise.
Its not how you build it, but if your a team thats trying to get better, you gotta gamble on these low risk signings. Sometimes you get duds, sometimes you get good players. To complain about moves like this is like complaining that a serial killer is wearing a hawaiin t-shirt and it looks stupid. These aren't the cause nor even a factor in the teams problems. Signing these type of players shouldn't prevent them from making upgrades. That comes from Wang. The bleed over of anger is misdirected. This is a small minor deal that makes sense and has some upside. Its not a factor in the rebuild,but I don't think anyone here is touting this guy as our 2nd line center, but rather the next Michael Haley with perhaps a bit more pop. {MOD EDIT}
Last edited by Homeland Security: 03-12-2012 at 12:20 PM.
Reason: EDITED.
"There were some other teams in the mix and it just came down to the best opportunity for me to play NHL hockey," said Halmo.[/COLOR][/B]
Nothing wrong with this signing. I can see where this kind of free agent might not want to come to the Island since we are overstocked on better prospects than some guy having a hot year as an overager, but in the sense that we don't have much in the way of big physical types, we are completely understocked for the near future.
Either way, who gives a hoot. He is destined to be an energy line player, and if he can provide a few points all the better. This club lacks SOBs to keep the other club's SOBs worried about them as opposed to thinking about injuring out Tavares, etc. I'd rather have Downie or someone like that, but right now you take what you can get.
Nothing wrong with this signing. I can see where this kind of free agent might not want to come to the Island since we are overstocked on better prospects than some guy having a hot year as an overager, but in the sense that we don't have much in the way of big physical types, we are completely understocked for the near future.
Either way, who gives a hoot. He is destined to be an energy line player, and if he can provide a few points all the better. This club lacks SOBs to keep the other club's SOBs worried about them as opposed to thinking about injuring out Tavares, etc. I'd rather have Downie or someone like that, but right now you take what you can get.
I live pretty close to Owen Sound, so I've seen Halmo play quite a few times. Probably my favourite player on the Attack in the last few seasons.
Heart and soul guy. Not the biggest or fastest, but he gives 'er 110% every shift. Finishes every check and he's one of those guys who flat out knows how to hit too. His offense has been a real bonus. He's definitely developed beyond the north-south player he was.
He's got a pro-ready game. He's looked better this season than Andrew Shaw was last season and you can see what Shaw has done at the NHL and AHL level this season.
I've seen him with the Attack too and I too am jealous. I love what the kid offers -- he's an honest, throw-back type player who can really lay the body on people. Determined, high-character... and man does he hit.
__________________
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle
It would be good for the Isles.... I believe Jack Hillen was a College FA that we signed and he was solid imo....He would of been better than Mottau.....
I hope the isles go after some college free agents .One that comes to mind is Smithtowns Mike Marcou attended the last two prospect camps and did well.Just finished up at UMASS has they were knocked out of playoffs had a good year 21 points for a Dman in hockey east finishing in the top 10 in scoring for Dmen.Would be a good fit for Bridgeport lets hope he doesnt get to another org its nice to have a hometown kid in the org they do it every where else.His Brother James play s in San Jose org
Honestly, why don't more college free agents think this way? How many guys like Matt Gilroy might be experiencing better careers if they set themselves up to play more?
The crown jewel of the College FA crop is Danny DeKeyser this year. The guy has Detroit written all over him, but the Isles could offer him a good opportunity to play and play right away. We only have 3 NHL d-men signed for next season and if he is as legit as they say, he could win a spot very soon.
Snow can offer him an inflated bonus laden contract to start off the cap circumvention early.
I hope the isles go after some college free agents .One that comes to mind is Smithtowns Mike Marcou attended the last two prospect camps and did well.Just finished up at UMASS has they were knocked out of playoffs had a good year 21 points for a Dman in hockey east finishing in the top 10 in scoring for Dmen.Would be a good fit for Bridgeport lets hope he doesnt get to another org its nice to have a hometown kid in the org they do it every where else.His Brother James play s in San Jose org
I am not a fan of signing Marcou, he is a decent player but the Isles have a bunch of small puck moving Dmen, in Bport and as prospects.
I didn't see this posted. Mike Halmo knocked Nail Yakupov into next week. He might be subject to suplemental discipline. Yakupov is out for the rest of the regular season.
TORONTO - Top NHL prospect Nail Yakupov is back making headlines again.
But this time it’s not for calling in sick to the CHL’s annual Top Prospects game, a decision that led to a hotly debated two-game suspension for the Sarnia Sting star.
No, the potential No. 1 pick in this year’s NHL draft is making news again after being run over — many would say illegally — by Owen Sound Attack forward Mike Halmo Saturday, a collision that left Yakupov with a cut-up face and possible concussion. He’s already missed one game and, with the playoffs looming, it could be a huge loss for the contending Sting if the injury lingers.
The hit has sparked lively debate (sigh, yes again) over who should bear responsibility when it comes to hits of this nature — the perp or the victim? Both camps have plenty of support, let me tell you.
But first, some background.
Yakupov lost control of the puck as he was cruising through the slot in the Owen Sound zone and was trying to corral it when Halmo drilled him head-on. Halmo, the OHL’s poster boy for the perfect blend of talent and truculence — he’s eighth in league scoring (40 goals, 44 assists) and fourth in PIMs (162) — laid Yakupov out with what I thought was a solid shoulder hit but he was given a major penalty for charging ... and forced to fight Sting defenceman Jack Kuzmyk...
Last edited by PWJunior: 03-12-2012 at 10:39 PM.
Reason: Copyright Infringement
I am not a fan of signing Marcou, he is a decent player but the Isles have a bunch of small puck moving Dmen, in Bport and as prospects.
I do like Mike Marcou a lot, but if we're going to pursue a potential UFA college free agent it should be a good offer to Justin Schultz of Wisconsin. Schultz is currently consider using the Gregoire-Kessel loophole to potentially pursue another organization besides Anaheim, the one that drafted him in 2008. He has put up huge numbers the past 2 seasons. He's a 6'1" RIGHT-HANDED shot!!! If Halmo signed here for the opportunity to play in the NHL sooner than later. Well if Schultz signs here he could potentially be playing for us on opening night!
I do like Mike Marcou a lot, but if we're going to pursue a potential UFA college free agent it should be a good offer to Justin Schultz of Wisconsin. Schultz is currently consider using the Gregoire-Kessel loophole to potentially pursue another organization besides Anaheim, the one that drafted him in 2008. He has put up huge numbers the past 2 seasons. He's a 6'1" RIGHT-HANDED shot!!! If Halmo signed here for the opportunity to play in the NHL sooner than later. Well if Schultz signs here he could potentially be playing for us on opening night!
he's already better than Grabner. That guy really irritated me this season.
I do like Mike Marcou a lot, but if we're going to pursue a potential UFA college free agent it should be a good offer to Justin Schultz of Wisconsin. Schultz is currently consider using the Gregoire-Kessel loophole to potentially pursue another organization besides Anaheim, the one that drafted him in 2008. He has put up huge numbers the past 2 seasons. He's a 6'1" RIGHT-HANDED shot!!! If Halmo signed here for the opportunity to play in the NHL sooner than later. Well if Schultz signs here he could potentially be playing for us on opening night!
I hope the isles go after some college free agents .One that comes to mind is Smithtowns Mike Marcou attended the last two prospect camps and did well.Just finished up at UMASS has they were knocked out of playoffs had a good year 21 points for a Dman in hockey east finishing in the top 10 in scoring for Dmen.Would be a good fit for Bridgeport lets hope he doesnt get to another org its nice to have a hometown kid in the org they do it every where else.His Brother James play s in San Jose org
James is having some serious concussion issues. He hasn't played this year at all, and he's going to have some big problems finding a contract this summer. He may have to retire because of the concussions anyway.
Mike is a good player and he plays much bigger than his 5'11/6'0 size. He does need to put on some weight. The Islanders have liked Mike, and they asked him if he'd be willing to turn pro last summer, but he chose to stay in college for his senior year. He's gotten some interest already, the Blues were supposedly talking to him, but I haven't heard anything concrete. I could definitely see the Isles signing him, and I think he'd be a good fit as an AHL depth defenseman with some upside.
I love this post
