Casey Cizikas 2010-11 SEASON REVIEW:

Casey Cizikas
Date of birth: February 27, 1991 (2010-11 Season Age: 19/20)
Place of birth: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Height: 5'11
Weight: 184
Shooting Hand: Left
OHL Season: 4th OHL Season
Drafted: New York Islanders in the 4th round (92nd overall) of the 2009 Draft
Acquired: Originally Drafted By The Isles

2010-11 Season Stats:

Canada            WJC:  GP: 7 G: 2 A: 1   P: 3  PIM: 6

Mississauga       OHL:  GP: 52 G: 29 A: 35 P: 64  PIM: 40

Short-Term Status:

I'd expect Cizikas to be a major factor for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers next season. He will get a lot of time on the Penalty Kill and as a top-six winger which means he will have every opportunity to showcase his skill. There also may be an outside chance that he see's SOME time in the NHL if there are any injury troubles throughout the season.

Long-Term Status:

Casey Cizikas will be an NHL'er, but he most likely will not be a top-six forward. I see him being a premiere bottom-six center who kills penalty's and plays a great two-way game. I liken him to someone similar to Kris Draper. Those type of players are needed to be successful in any game especially in the playoffs.

Contract Status:

LENGTH: 3 YEAR(S)     VALUE: $2,380,000     TYPE: ENTRY LEVEL     EXPIRY STATUS: RFA
** CONTRACT DETAILS AND BONUSES (IF APPLICABLE) NOT OFFICIAL — CHECK BACK SOON **
SEASON	AHL SALARY	NHL SALARY	P. BONUSES	S. BONUS	CAP HIT
2011-12	$67,500	$690,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333
2012-13	$67,500	$790,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333
2013-14	$67,500	$900,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333

Review:

Casey Cizikas is an intriguing prospect, but one who I believe will have a big impact down the line for this Islanders club. Being a defensive minded center, his point totals were surprisingly impressive and he displayed a much higher end offensive potential. Of everyone on his team, he had the 2nd highest point per game with a 1.23, and despite playing 14 games less than either player in front of him, he had the 3rd highest point total. He emerged as quite the leader and was given the captain duties to start the season, which he utilized terrifically. Every opportunity to block a shot or take the body, he took advantage of and his teammates and coaching staff took notice. That bravery and awareness, that Cizikas showed this season is evident from his stunning plus/minus of plus-43. In the playoffs, he was an absolute beast and carried the team on his back. In 16 playoff games, he put up 19 points which were the 7th most of anyone in the OHL. Of those 19 points, 14 were assists which was the 2nd most of any player in the league. Whats interesting is the players that are rated 1st and 3rd in playoff assists all played 6 games more than Cizikas which means had he played as many games as them, he would probably have the lead. Despite some worry that he wouldn't get signed, the Islanders and Cizikas were able to come to an agreement yesterday on the last day to sign a deal. He will play a big role on the Sound Tigers and may see some time in the NHL. 

Season Grade (A+ to F-): A

Just an all around solid year. Offensively he really was terrific, especially given the fact that his role on the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors was not one that was giving him many offensive opportunities. His leadership and heart was a huge aspect of his game and he became the unquestioned leader of this team. 

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