Islanders Draft Review

Isle

s Pick by Pick Review:

5th Overall (1st Round)- Ryan Strome: A:
Review:
This was a terrific pick, and despite my hope that Larsson would fall to us, I think the Isles would have picked Strome regardless of who else was on the board (aside from Nugent-Hopkins or Landeskog). His hockey sense and offensive awareness is off the charts. He sees the ice incredibly well and he uses that to help him distribute the puck to his teammates and put them in the best situation to score. He has the creativity that a player needs to make it to the NHL as a playmaker. I just feel as though he has the skill-set to be a superstar in the NHL especially when he is playing with John Tavares, who I believe will play very well when paired up with Strome. Whether the Isles choose to play him at Center or not, I love the idea of him playing with Johnny T. They already are friendly and his playing style seems to complement Tavares' style incredibly. Along with his skill, I love the fact that he wanted to be a New York Islander. Its rare to find a player who wants, wholeheartedly, to be a NY Islander and I'm happy the Isles were able to grab him. In my opinion, I would like him to be returned to the Niagara IceDogs for one more season which would benefit him greatly. Letting him tear up the OHL for another year, and getting time in the World Junior Championship, would do wonders for him and would develop him, in my opinion, to a player that would be a perennial all-star alongside John Tavares. His upside might be  higher than anyone in this years draft aside from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. If he is able to fulfill that potential, the Islanders and their fans will be ecstatic. Overall its a very low-risk pick, as even if he flops he would be a good 3rd-line winger, and a very HUGE-reward pick, as if he achieves his potential he will be one of the best, if not the best, playmaker in the entire NHL. I am pumped to have him and Islanders fans should be very pleased to see him join this young core of this Islanders team. 


34th Overall (2nd Round)- Scott Mayfield: A+:
Review:
Although I love the Strome pick, this may possibly be my favorite Islander selection of this entire NHL draft. Scott Mayfield is a BIG defenseman who seems to utilize his size efficiently and is not afraid to play with an edge. He hits well and is not afraid to throw his big 6'4 frame into someone. Not only is he physical, but he has a very impressive skating ability that many defensemen his size don't possess. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, this American defenseman has the potential, in my opinion, to be a top 4 (possibly top-2) defenseman in this league. That along with the fact that he may not be done growing, makes for a guy who will be an impressive NHL talent down the road. His poise is beyond impressive and it feels as though when I'm watching him, that I am actually watching a ten-year NHL veteran. His first pass out of his own zone is terrific and it creates many opportunities for his teammates on the rush. He also is not afraid to drop the gloves and he does a nice job once there off. I just have that feeling about this kid, I mean I have watched a lot of hockey this year and a few games where Mayfield participated. I was so impressed with him that on my personal rankings I had him around 15, and the fact he fell to us at 34 is something to be VERY happy about. 


50th Overall (2nd Round)- Johan Sundstrom: B-:
Review:
This was one of those picks that the team that made it had to have been very high on the draftee. Luckily for me, I agree on the projection of Sundstrom being a big-time steal in this draft as he has a lot of skill that he wasn't given the opportunity to display, this past year. He seems to be a solid two-way forward in the making and does the little things that make a player successful in the NHL. I love his work-ethic which he displays night in and night out. He is one of the hardest workers on his team and the coaching staff at Frolunda praised him quite a bit throughout the year for it. He recently signed a two-year deal in Sweden, so we probably won't see him in North America for awhile, but it was a nice pick especially if the Isles scouts were that high on him. 


63rd Overall (3rd Round)- Andrei Pedan: B+:
Review:
He is a big, strong defenseman that is incredibly physical. He loves to throw his body around, but usually doesn't bring himself out of position. Not only does he clear his goalies' crease, and play a tough defensive game, but he also has a nice stride and skates very well for a guy his size. He makes a nice first pass and because last year was his first season in North America, look for a great year in the OHL next season from him as he gets more comfortable. He is pretty raw so don't expect to see him in the NHL for awhile, but trust me, he is worth the wait. 


94th Overall (4th Round)- Robbie Russo: B+:
Review:
He was expected to go much higher so this selection was a pleasant surprise to me and many other fans. He has a good two-way ability from the back-end and with a little work will refine his play in all zones. He's headed to Notre Dame, which is great news as I am sure he will be given the help to refine his defensive game to an NHL caliber level over his time there. He knows the game well and its pretty evident when he moves the puck out of his own zone or on the power play. This is a kid to watch for the next few years as he will be given all the opportunities to succeed at Notre Dame. 


125th Overall (5th Round)- John Persson: C+:
Review:
Had a solid year last season and seems to be well rounded. He is a bit older than most of the other draft picks as he is an overager, but he has some good offensive skills and is not afraid to play a physical game. He will stand up for his teammates and battle along the boards which at that point in the draft is an attractive attribute to target while picking. He is pretty close to being ready for the American Hockey League, but one more year in Juniors would do him a lot of good. This pick is a solid one because of the upside Persson has, I feel like he could be a steal depending on how he performs next season. This will be one of the more interesting draft pick's to watch.


127th Overall (5th Round)- Brenden Kichton: B:
Review:
This is a very interesting pick and I think he may be a solid one. He reminds me a lot of former Islander draft pick Jared Spurgeon who made a big impact with the Wild this season. Luckily for the Islanders, he is also a bit taller and a bit stronger which makes him even more attractive. Despite being only 5'11", he also can throw his body around and deliver some nice hits. He also has a good sense as to when he should jump into the play and when he shouldn't. This a nice pick this late in the draft as it is a very big "high-reward" type selection.


184th Overall (7th Round)- Mitchell Theoret: C+:
Review:
Tough, physical, bottom-six forward who seems like he has the skills to make it to the NHL. He is a tenacious forechecker, who seems to be a big provider of energy for his team. He also is more than willing to fight, to protect his teammates. That energy-type ability along with his offensive potential makes for a player who has some nice potential as a fan-favorite bottom-six, all-around forward. 

OVERALL GRADE: A, I am truly happy with literally every pick that was made.