The Future of the Islanders: New GM Search and Draft Decisions Loom

I have read lately that people wonder if the Islanders are considering all their options. What do I mean by that? The option is to trade the number one draft pick for more assets. If I had my choice, which I don't really count, I would hang on to the pick. 

I understand the logic of trying to fill the prospect cupboard; the Isles could use some prospects. It would depend on how badly the Sharks would want Schaefer and whether the Islanders would be able to fleece or, I mean, forget it. That is precisely what I mean. Blackhawks might want to move up depending on who they have their eye on. Who is the prospect that the Isles would still consider it a win? 

I am sure there are a few, but I wouldn't go further than pick number four. I know people are saying the top five, but I am not sure the player they want would go down that far. 

The third option is to bring a player who can now play as a star, not an elite player. I don't see the Isles getting a player of the quality of Matthews or something like that. Maybe a player along the lines of Knies or a Coronato along those lines. I am not sure that will be enough. Let me tell you those are examples of the players you would want. They are in no way, shape, form, or sign of being on the market. Knies and Coronato will be the main fixtures in their rosters for years to come. 

The Islanders' search for a new GM is still a work in progress. They're waiting for some playoff teams to finish before making any moves. Rumors of Dallas Stars and the Maple Leafs giving permission slips are running wild. This begs the question: What happens to Roy in all this mess? Is he safe? Will the new General Manager bring in his own man? So many questions, it's almost like a soap opera. Who knows? Personally, I'm hoping to see some changes with the Isles. I get that they're taking their time with this decision—it's crucial they don't mess it up. We don't want a retool to turn into a rebuild of five years or more. Choosing the wrong General Manager just might do that. 

Randy

Life of a Delusional Leaf Fan

What bothers me isn't the fact the Leafs lost. It was the way they lost. They simply let the Panthers walk all over them. Losing on such a bad note will make us forget how good the season was, with some good moments that were not so bad. No one will remember that good season, only how they lost. It is too bad, because Stolarts played his heart out most of the season. We also have a warrior in Tanev. No matter how many times he was knocked down, he got back up.

We might have found a true superstar in Matthew Knies. The kid never gave up. He made huge strides this season. The release on his shot is truly excellent. But what we will remember is how we lost the season. They are a bunch of bums. Unfortunately, I am one of the nasty fans. I often get too negative, but tonight, I reflected on the good things this team has done this season. Seriously, I don't understand it myself.

John Tavarez showed us the true meaning of what it means to be a teammate. He was willing to give up his title and supported Matthews' captaincy. He went on to score 38 goals and 36 assists and showed more heart than I ever thought he had. But I chose to see how he didn't show up for the playoffs. Yes, this is a normal reaction to watching the clown show that was game seven.

As for Mitch Marner, I understand he doesn't show up in the playoffs. He forgets to give 100 percent at times. Let me play devil's advocate: he had a career year of 27 goals and 75 assists. But I choose to remember he didn't show up at the playoffs. He is a bum.

Conclusion

Oh, who am I kidding? They are a bunch of quitters. Fire everyone and start over with a clean slate.

I will never watch another hockey game for the rest of my life.

Oh, wait, the game is on. Got to go! See ya!

Randy Workman

Drafting Success: Key Traits NHL Teams Look For In Prospects

Today's blog is a draft prequel to the Draft. I wanted to know what teams look at when considering a prospect in the Draft. Thanks to my friends, I better understand what a team looks for in a prospect.

Colton Davies, Writer for Daily Faceoff @coltonrdavies

When NHL general managers evaluate draft prospects, they look at a mix of skill, IQ and long-term potential. Skating, puck handling, and other traits are all major factors in overall production, but so are physical tools like size, strength, and athleticism. While we have moved away from teams drafting based on size, it still tends to be a trend in the Draft, even with smaller players like Cole Caufield, Johnny Gaudreau, and Logan Stankoven all breaking barriers.

Teams also take a look at organizational need, and how their game projects to the NHL level—whether they're a top-line scorer, shutdown defender, or a depth player who will fill out the bottom-six. 

Nowadays, teams invest heavily in pre-draft interviews and psychological testing at the Draft combine to get a sense of a prospect's mindset.

Are they mature enough to handle the spotlight?

Can they handle the NHL grind?

Analytics teams also feed into the process, offering context with advanced data, like zone entries, shot quality, and usage rates to back up what scouts see.

Randy

Colton, I am not surprised teams are not completely relying on the player's size. It's good to see teams are paying more attention to the skill and puck-handling skills. What I find surprising is the grind, but I see why teams have to consider whether the player can last the season.

Steven Ellis Associate Editor Daily Faceoff @SEllisHockey

Two traits scouts are always looking for are guys who can think the game at a high level and work their butt off. Hard-working players will find ways to stay relevant in a lineup, and players who outthink others will continue to make their opportunities with just about anyone.

Randy

The biggest quality noticed on most scouting reports is hockey IQ. Teams want to know if the player can think ahead to make plays. Thank you, Steve.

Paul Kreischer Isles @P_Kreischer of @IslesTalk

The real question at this time for many young players is this:

1. How much have they learned? Their age is undoubtedly a factor, the younger they are the more potential of molding that player into what a team wants for their organization, but there comes a point where the skills overtake the age.

2. Can they play multiple positions? In the later rounds, it's helpful to find a versatile player to give them a better chance at a pro career.

3. Skating, puck handling and especially hockey IQ (do you or how do you study the game?)

4. What type of a person are they, what's their character like? Are they playing for the team or really looking out for themselves? 

5. How much drive/work ethic and passion do they have? Do they have that push to be better when games are not playing, and it's about fundamentals and practice?

6. Body language: how do you react to certain moments of either your game or your teammates?

7. Where is the player's compete level? Work ethic is one thing, but showing it on the ice is another. Is this player a "passenger" or is he willing to sacrifice his body to block a shot, or make/take a hit? 

Randy

Mesa's ability to play wing and centre has given him a leg up on the Draft. I mean, it's not the only reason, but it helps. I agree on seeing if a player will go to the mat to win. Taking a hit to make a play is vital to a player's success.

Thanks so much to Steven, Colin, and Paul. You guys are the best. Follow them at their Twitter/X addresses above.