BARRY-TONE PLAYLIST
THE ISLANDERS TEND
to be one of the more unpredictable teams at the draft table, but they’ll likely have to wait a while before making a splash this year. New York has traded away its top two picks, so in all likelihood their draft starts in Round 3. Last year was the first time in four drafts that the Isles did not take a player from USA Hockey’s NTDP program. IMMEDIATE NEEDS: More scoring punch would take this team to another level, as coach Barry Trotz already has the squad playing structured hockey. Brock Nelson was the only player who came close to 30 goals this season, while a few others sniffed 20. Young guns such as Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom need to round out their games if they’re going to become regulars. LONG-TERM NEEDS: The blueline will undergo a massive change in the next few years, with older vets making way for youngsters such as Noah Dobson and Bode Wilde. How well that transition goes will depend on guys in the middle like Ryan Pulock. Adding another veteran or two during this phase would be wise. CAP SITUATION: GM Lou Lamoriello has his work cut out for him, as RFA Mathew Barzal is coming off a rookie deal and the Isles have only around $10 million to spend. A decision must also be made on UFA goalie Thomas Greiss, who may find himself the odd man out with Semyon Varlamov signed long-term and super-prospect Ilya Sorokin likely coming over. Pulock is the prominent RFA on defense.
IN THE SYSTEM 2020-21: Sorokin was a phenom in the KHL, and it’s time to show what he can do on North American ice. Based on what Rangers rival Igor Shesterkin did in Manhattan, look for Sorokin to play NHL games next season – though the Isles have the luxury of getting him AHL time, too.
DID YOU KNOW: When Wilde was returned to the OHL in February, the Isles had three prospects playing for Saginaw, as he joined Cole Coskey and Blade Jenkins.