The Isles are Running on All Cylinders

 A good friend of mine helped with this idea of what to write about the Islanders this week. So thanks to you, Bill Brady, I salute you.

Let's talk about the young players the Isles have; we have a lot to be excited about the future of this team. 

Oliver Wahlstrom 

Oliver is an offensive juggernaut, especially on the powerplay. He has a one-timer that is deadly. Wahlstrom is a terrific skater who can glide with the best of them. 

As good as Wahlstrom is offensively, he has to develop his game defensively. I love Oliver's abilities, but in this system, it is defense first, and the offense will take care of itself. Oliver has to get himself noticed, and he will be if he becomes a complete player. 

Noah Dobson

Noah might be the best dman on the New York Islander roster. Noah's strength is his hockey IQ. He is a very smart defenceman. To go with that hockey IQ, Dobson has a ton of offensive skills, including a Howitzer from the point. If he can use the shot from the point more often, the Isles powerplay will become a lot more effective. The only thing Dobson has to shore up is his defensive mistakes. He is young, which will come with experience. He has all the potential to be an all-star defenceman for years to come. 

Prospect Watch

William Dufour

William is a no-nonsense power forward. As I understand it, he will hit anything that breathes. Will sticks up for his teammates in the dressing room. The Islanders have a steal, with Dufour being picked in the fifth round. He might be just what Trotz needs. William has a knack for scoring the big goal, good hands, and a nice wrist shot. He still needs some seasoning. If he keeps his mind in the game, he will be a keeper for many years to come. 

Aatu Ratty

Aatu is a smooth, playmaking forward who was also a steal in the second round for the Islanders. A terrific player who has great vision that pinpoints a pass from anywhere. When I did a mock draft the year Ratty was drafted, I had him going in the first round. He is fast and deadly whenever he comes into the offensive zone, always thinking ahead. He needs to grow on the farm to develop his whole game. Ratty needs to bulk up and play in all situations of the game. 

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Conclusion

The Isles have plenty of bright spots. The prospects cupboard is plenty full. The draft coming up this season is excellent. The Isles are drafting around spots 12-15. I will be doing what I expect at the draft in another blog. Smile—the future is bright.  

Randy