Prospect Info: Isles Prospect Talk 2019-20 | Part I

[SI90]

And do we think that Thompson & Co in Bridgeport are going to be the ones to teach it to him...?

Absolutely not.

 

[Rengi]

Well, who should develop him Thompson WTF!? We need a teacher and great development type of coach down there in the mold of a Barry Trotz! Please get Thompson off that team down there, he ruins players...

 

[xECK29x]

+ = on IR or just hurt

NHL - New York Islanders

PLAYER	POS	ACQUIRED	HFB RANK	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Noah Dobson	D	2018 round 1 #12	1	6	0	2	2	0	1
Oliver Wahlstrom	RW/LW	2018 round 1 #11	3	9	0	0	0	4	-2

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

AHL - Bridgeport Sound Tigers

PLAYER	POS	ACQUIRED	HFB RANK	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Kieffer Bellows	LW/C	2016 round 1 #19	5	15	1	2	3	13	-11
Simon Holmstrom	RW	2019 round 1 #23	8	15	2	1	3	0	-6
Otto Koivula	C/LW/RW	2016 round 4 #120	6	10	2	3	5	4	-8
+ Bode Wilde	D	2018 round 2 #41	4	0	0	0	0	0	0
+ Mitchell Vande Sompel	D	2015 round 3 #82	13	0	0	0	0	0	0
Parker Wotherspoon	D	2015 round 4 #112	HM	15	0	4	4	8	-9
+ Robert Carpenter	LW/C	UFA Signing	NR	0	0	0	0	0	0
Sebastian Aho	D	2017 round 5 #139	7	15	2	5	7	4	-10
* Oliver Wahlstrom	RW/LW	2018 round 1 #11	3	6	2	2	4	11	-5
+ Grant Hutton	D	UFA Signing	HM	9	1	0	1	4	-2
Mason Jobst	LW/C	UFA Signing	NR	11	0	2	2	15	-3
David Quenneville	D	2016 rnd 7 #200	NR	8	1	3	4	4	-5
Arnaud Durandeau	LW/C	2017 round 6 #165	HM	5	1	1	2	4	-2

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

ECHL - Worcester Railers

PLAYER	POS	ACQUIRED	HFB RANK	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

CHL - Canadian Major Juniors

PLAYER	POS	ACQUIRED	HFB RANK	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Samuel Bolduc	D	2019 round 2 #57	10	Blainville-Boisbriand	19	1	6	7	10	-2
Blade Jenkins	LW/C	2018 round 5 #134	14	Saginaw Spirit	19	6	11	17	6	4
Cole Coskey	RW	2019 round 7 #209	NR	Saginaw Spirit	19	12	14	26	2	2
Felix Bibeau	C	2019 round 6 #178	NR	Quebec Remparts	20	13	13	26	26	6
Reece Newkirk	C	2019 round 5 #147	NR	Portland Winterhawks	17	5	14	19	18	4

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

NCAA

PLAYER	POS	ACQUIRED	HFB RANK	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Ruslan Iskhakov	C/RW	2018 round 2 #43	9	Univ. of Connecticut	8	2	3	5	2	0
Nick Pastujov	LW	2016 round 7 #193	NR	Univ. of Michigan	10	3	1	4	6	1
Collin Adams	LW	2016 round 6 #170	NR	Univ. of North Dakota	9	4	4	8	4	13
+? Logan Cockerill	LW	2017 round 7 #201	NR	Boston Univ.	3	1	0	1	0	0
Benjamin Mirageas	D	2017 round 3 #77	NR	Providence College	10	0	3	3	4	8
Christian Krygier	D	2018 round 7 #196	NR	Michigan State Univ.	8	0	1	1	14	1
Jacob Pivonka	C	2018 round 4 #103	NR	Univ. of Notre Dame	8	3	3	6	6	9

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Europe

PLAYER	POS	ACQUIRED	HFB RANK	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
+? Robin Salo	D	2017 round 2 #46	20	SaiPa (Liiga)	19	2	6	8	10	-6

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Goalies

PLAYER	ACQUIRED	HFB RANK	TEAM	GP	GAA	SV%	SO
Ilya Sorokin	2014 round 3 #78	2	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	15	1.24	.948	4
Linus Söderström	2014 round 4 #95	11	Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)	0	0	0	0
			* Worcester Railers (ECHL)	4	4.49	.870	0
Jakub Skarek	2018 round 3 #72	12	Worcester Railers (ECHL)	2	1.42	.941	0
			* Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)	4	3.06	.900	0

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

 

[xECK29x]

Removed Dal Colle and Toews, they really are full time NHLers at this point, along with Ho-Sang for obvious reasons.

 

[periferal]

It just occurred to me...

Does anyone else think that the reason why there have been so many changes with the Isles, but basically none with the Sound Tigers is because...

Their GM is Chris Lamoriello?

Like maybe his dad doesn't want to step on his son's toes and tell him how to run things down there? Because I don't see how Lou could possibly be ok with Brent Thompson as a coach in charge of developing their young players. Something must be stopping him from removing Thompson and considering how mountains were moved to get rid of snow, getting rid of Thompson should be easy...And I cannot think of another thing that would stop that from happening other than possibly "family."

 

[Strait2thecup]

It just occurred to me...

Does anyone else think that the reason why there have been so many changes with the Isles, but basically none with the Sound Tigers is because...

Their GM is Chris Lamoriello?

Like maybe his dad doesn't want to step on his son's toes and tell him how to run things down there? Because I don't see how Lou could possibly be ok with Brent Thompson as a coach in charge of developing their young players. Something must be stopping him from removing Thompson and considering how mountains were moved to get rid of snow, getting rid of Thompson should be easy...And I cannot think of another thing that would stop that from happening other than possibly "family."

I. D.o.n.t think so. If Lou thought firing Thompson was the move I doubt he wouldn’t suggest it to his son, who I would assume would listen

 

[CupHolders]

I believe I asked this once. Can’t remember if there was ever an answer... But, are AHL coaches commonly let go in-season?

I don’t ever recall it happening in the Isles organization. Unless the AHL coach is brought up to the NHL.

 

[DarkHorse2]

Thompson became AHL coach with the 2014-2015 season. This year is his fifth. It would not shock me if he had a five-year contract from Snow. This might be his last chance.

 

[MJF]

It just occurred to me...

Does anyone else think that the reason why there have been so many changes with the Isles, but basically none with the Sound Tigers is because...

Their GM is Chris Lamoriello?

Like maybe his dad doesn't want to step on his son's toes and tell him how to run things down there? Because I don't see how Lou could possibly be ok with Brent Thompson as a coach in charge of developing their young players. Something must be stopping him from removing Thompson and considering how mountains were moved to get rid of snow, getting rid of Thompson should be easy...And I cannot think of another thing that would stop that from happening other than possibly "family."

Not at all.

I think there were no changes last year because it was common knowledge that Wang didn't spend money on the Sound Tigers roster the last 6 years and it was unfair to judge Thompson on a roster that couldn't compete. When Malkin spent money on AHL veterans for the Tigers last year they made the playoffs. That's why Thompson was retained for this year.

This summer the Sound Tigers added veteran AHL coach Ken Gernander to the staff. So I have to think with him looking down from the press box there is the possibility of a coaching change if the Tigers keep losing.

 

[SI90]

Holmstrom has 3 goals in his last 6 games. Seems to be turning it on.

Whalstrom with 5 pts in 7 games in the AHL. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take off.

 

[MJF]

Holmstrom has 3 goals in his last 6 games. Seems to be turning it on.

Whalstrom with 5 pts in 7 games in the AHL. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take off.

Glad to see they responded today. They played like crap yesterday.

 

[BTrotts19]

Holmstrom has 3 goals in his last 6 games. Seems to be turning it on.

Whalstrom with 5 pts in 7 games in the AHL. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take off.

I expect Oli to be a 1.5/PPG this year. Kid probably is ready for the NHL now but BT/staff want him fully NHL ready before being given a shot in the top 6. He got some NHL time to learn the basics on the neutral & defensive zones, now he will further enhance that but given more O zone opportunities to put up some stats.

 

[PWJunior]

I expect Oli to be a 1.5/PPG this year. Kid probably is ready for the NHL now but BT/staff want him fully NHL ready before being given a shot in the top 6. He got some NHL time to learn the basics on the neutral & defensive zones, now he will further enhance that but given more O zone opportunities to put up some stats.

1.5PPG is not happening, I'll take PPG or close to it.

Russia vs. OHL on NHLN right now.

 

[Phil120362]

I believe I asked this once. Can’t remember if there was ever an answer... But, are AHL coaches commonly let go in-season?

I don’t ever recall it happening in the Isles organization. Unless the AHL coach is brought up to the NHL.

You'll have to scramble to get a replacement in now ,wouldn't you? Not ideal timing IMHO,whose available that's good?.....right this minute.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

It just occurred to me...

Does anyone else think that the reason why there have been so many changes with the Isles, but basically none with the Sound Tigers is because...

Their GM is Chris Lamoriello?

Like maybe his dad doesn't want to step on his son's toes and tell him how to run things down there?

Interesting take, but I'm thinking Chris is more of a "Sir, yes sir" type.

And I can't imagine his work with the Sound Tigers is in any way being conducted so as to rebel or show up his father, if that in any way was being insinuated.

The team acquired A LOT of pieces this summer. Many kids were added as well. As another poster mentioned, the very AHL-successful Gernander was added to the staff.

Bridgeport's camp had 12 Dmen and 22 forwards, roughly 90% of which had some form of AHL pedigree. Bernier, McDonald, Helgeson, Bourque, Lorito, and Coreau bring gobs of pro experience. Each of Gibson, Aho, Burroughs, Wotherspoon, Vande Sompel, Fritz, St. Denis, Bardreau, and Thomson have 2-5 years of full-time AHL service under their belt. Schilkey had 37 points as an AHL rookie last season. Our own picks/signees Wahlstrom, Koivula, Bellows, Jobst, Carpenter, Durandeau, Hutton, and Wilde were deemed ready to spearhead the attack. Then there are guys like Kubiak, Stevens, and somewhat unexpectedly Holmstrom hanging around. Then Hickey showed up in the equation as well. Now Ladd.

Because I don't see how Lou could possibly be ok with Brent Thompson as a coach in charge of developing their young players. Something must be stopping him from removing Thompson and considering how mountains were moved to get rid of snow, getting rid of Thompson should be easy...And I cannot think of another thing that would stop that from happening other than possibly "family."

I don't know why I feel inclined to defend Thompson a bit, but I do. I don't think management looks at this team's performance and thinks "That coach is the problem". They know him better and the organization has concrete info on how he's performed in being a developmental coach for this franchise as well as what he's doing with the boys.

Thompson was a defenseman himself, and each of Mayfield, Pelech, and Toews spent plenty of time working with him. Sure, we're all wondering if he can properly further develop offensive talent, but I look at a kid like Dal Colle and can't for one second think that "Thompson didn't develop him properly". Anybody with an ounce of understanding sees that Dal Colle has no choice but to remodel himself as a forechecker who makes his way to the net and has the puck on his stick as little as possible. He otherwise is not quick or smart enough to play the NHL game. Every time he's got that damn thing on his stick for more than 3 seconds, we've got problems. But he rarely even finds himself with the puck that long anyway, because he hardly has the skating to acquire it on his own. He simply doesn't have the skill set to play NHL hockey in a productive offensive capacity. He could suit up for the Isles for the rest of the season and I don't see him getting more than 10 points when all is said and done.

And that might be exactly the case for Bellows as well, who isn't even doing what Dal Colle did in the AHL.

Which brings me to my list of challenges for Thompson thus far this season:
- Eansor and Hitchcock have "retired", and done so at a time where both the Isles and the Sound Tigers have waves of injuries
- Hickey got his bell rung in Game 1, played a few more, has since missed the rest of the season thus far (although I think he suited up yesterday)
- Fritz and Bernier have missed more than 60% of the season thus far
- Vande Sompel, Carpenter, and Wilde have missed the entire season
- Ho-Sang is a complete non-factor
- Wahlstrom and Bardreau have spent the majority of the season on the Island
- It has certainly been an unorthodox move to have the 18-year old Holmstrom playing in BPort
- Many viewers have described their play as sloppy, but if these guys have even made it to this level, shouldn't all the basics with respect to passing, shooting, etc. already be fully possessed by the players?

That said, I think the organization has to ask itself what Thompson's role is in the following:
- Jobst and Hutton, with just 3 points between the two of them, have been complete disappointments as older college additions who both looked very promising in the NHL preseason
- Lorito, Koivula, Aho, and Quenneville lead the way offensively with .5 PPG (well, Wahlstrom has 5 pts in 7 gms)
- Bellows has just 3 points and is a -11 in 16 games
- McDonald, Bourque, Bardreau, Fritz, St. Denis, Hickey, Wotherspoon, and Burroughs have COMBINED for just 14 total points in 92 total games played. YIKES!!!
- Is the lack of scoring on the team a question of systems? If so, is the team trying to use the same system Trotz does?

It looks like a lot of failure is going on, but an organization that prides itself on "culture" and "continuity" has seen a huge hit taken in that department through all the missing players and guys who have downright turned out to be less than expected.

I think the Lamoriellos will be analyzing what's going on and how much it effects the young guys they're investing in. I don't think they'll ax Thompson in-season, not in light of the challenges I listed above and not until they're very certain that he's doing things that are NEGATIVE for player development. Ultimately, these guys appear to be getting playing time in all situations, even if just by default.

 

[MJF]

Interesting take, but I'm thinking Chris is more of a "Sir, yes sir" type.

And I can't imagine his work with the Sound Tigers is in any way being conducted so as to rebel or show up his father, if that in any way was being insinuated.

The team acquired A LOT of pieces this summer. Many kids were added as well. As another poster mentioned, the very AHL-successful Gernander was added to the staff.

Bridgeport's camp had 12 Dmen and 22 forwards, roughly 90% of which had some form of AHL pedigree. Bernier, McDonald, Helgeson, Bourque, Lorito, and Coreau bring gobs of pro experience. Each of Gibson, Aho, Burroughs, Wotherspoon, Vande Sompel, Fritz, St. Denis, Bardreau, and Thomson have 2-5 years of full-time AHL service under their belt. Schilkey had 37 points as an AHL rookie last season. Our own picks/signees Wahlstrom, Koivula, Bellows, Jobst, Carpenter, Durandeau, Hutton, and Wilde were deemed ready to spearhead the attack. Then there are guys like Kubiak, Stevens, and somewhat unexpectedly Holmstrom hanging around. Then Hickey showed up in the equation as well. Now Ladd.



I don't know why I feel inclined to defend Thompson a bit, but I do. I don't think management looks at this team's performance and thinks "That coach is the problem". They know him better and the organization has concrete info on how he's performed in being a developmental coach for this franchise as well as what he's doing with the boys.

Thompson was a defenseman himself, and each of Mayfield, Pelech, and Toews spent plenty of time working with him. Sure, we're all wondering if he can properly further develop offensive talent, but I look at a kid like Dal Colle and can't for one second think that "Thompson didn't develop him properly". Anybody with an ounce of understanding sees that Dal Colle has no choice but to remodel himself as a forechecker who makes his way to the net and has the puck on his stick as little as possible. He otherwise is not quick or smart enough to play the NHL game. Every time he's got that damn thing on his stick for more than 3 seconds, we've got problems. But he rarely even finds himself with the puck that long anyway, because he hardly has the skating to acquire it on his own. He simply doesn't have the skill set to play NHL hockey in a productive offensive capacity. He could suit up for the Isles for the rest of the season and I don't see him getting more than 10 points when all is said and done.

And that might be exactly the case for Bellows as well, who isn't even doing what Dal Colle did in the AHL.

Which brings me to my list of challenges for Thompson thus far this season:
- Eansor and Hitchcock have "retired", and done so at a time where both the Isles and the Sound Tigers have waves of injuries
- Hickey got his bell rung in Game 1, played a few more, has since missed the rest of the season thus far (although I think he suited up yesterday)
- Fritz and Bernier have missed more than 60% of the season thus far
- Vande Sompel, Carpenter, and Wilde have missed the entire season
- Ho-Sang is a complete non-factor
- Wahlstrom and Bardreau have spent the majority of the season on the Island
- It has certainly been an unorthodox move to have the 18-year old Holmstrom playing in BPort
- Many viewers have described their play as sloppy, but if these guys have even made it to this level, shouldn't all the basics with respect to passing, shooting, etc. already be fully possessed by the players?

That said, I think the organization has to ask itself what Thompson's role is in the following:
- Jobst and Hutton, with just 3 points between the two of them, have been complete disappointments as older college additions who both looked very promising in the NHL preseason
- Lorito, Koivula, Aho, and Quenneville lead the way offensively with .5 PPG (well, Wahlstrom has 5 pts in 7 gms)
- Bellows has just 3 points and is a -11 in 16 games
- McDonald, Bourque, Bardreau, Fritz, St. Denis, Hickey, Wotherspoon, and Burroughs have COMBINED for just 14 total points in 92 total games played. YIKES!!!
- Is the lack of scoring on the team a question of systems? If so, is the team trying to use the same system Trotz does?

It looks like a lot of failure is going on, but an organization that prides itself on "culture" and "continuity" has seen a huge hit taken in that department through all the missing players and guys who have downright turned out to be less than expected.

I think the Lamoriellos will be analyzing what's going on and how much it effects the young guys they're investing in. I don't think they'll ax Thompson in-season, not in light of the challenges I listed above and not until they're very certain that he's doing things that are NEGATIVE for player development. Ultimately, these guys appear to be getting playing time in all situations, even if just by default.

It's fair to note that Hutton has been hurt and is going on his 3rd week of missing practices. Fritz, Bernier, Vande Sompel and Hickey also continue to be sidelined and are nowhere in sight for a return to action.

 

[crasherino]

Is Hickey out from the monster hit he took (even though he came back for a game or two) or was it something else after?

 

[MJF]

Is Hickey out from the monster hit he took (even though he came back for a game or two) or was it something else after?

From that hit.

 

[DarkHorse2]

From that hit.

According to the Sound Tigers' communications guy, Hickey suffered a lower-body injury when he returned from the original injury.

 

[MJF]

According to the Sound Tigers' communications guy, Hickey suffered a lower-body injury when he returned from the original injury.

Wow. Poor bastard.

 

[RangerFan23]

For those interested in seeing Logan Cockerill and Misha Song play, Cornell plays BU at MSG on 11/30.

Cheap tickets available:
StubHub!

 

[crasherino]

Wow. Poor bastard.

I feel bad for Hickey. I hope he gets back healthy and gets his shot back in the big league sometime soon. Ideally with someone else via trade. (and I realize that he's getting paid big bucks so there are obviously other people more worthy of my sympathy - just wanted to preempt that line of thought).

 

[PWJunior]

Wow. Poor bastard.

Yeah, tough break for Hickey. I've never been a fan of his, but he doesn't deserve this. I hope he gets healthy and they staple Bode Wilde to his hip to be his veteran mentor and defense partner. This season has been a bust so far for him, but I hope he can finish strongly and possibly draw some interest in the off season. He's clearly an NHLer, someone could use him and he'll have 2 years on his contract.

When Wilde finally makes it into the lineup, the Isles could have 3 19-year olds and Holmstrom in the AHL. I don't know, but that's seems like A LOT of teenagers for the AHL. Dobson is with the Isles, but he would probably be there too if not for the CHL rules. Wahlstrom, Wilde, Skarek, and Holmstrom is essentially our top prospects as well. Bridgeport has been ravaged by injuries, they could improve dramatically when they get some players back.

 

[scott99]

Holmstrom has 3 goals in his last 6 games. Seems to be turning it on.

Whalstrom with 5 pts in 7 games in the AHL. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take off.

Like seeing Wahlstrom & Holmstrom on the uptick, Bellows on the other hand is a HUGE disappointment.

 

[leeroggy]

Fully expected. Other than an elite shot, I never saw anything that made me think, "This is a player talented enough to be in the NHL."

I mean when you can't beat out Michael Dal Colle to the big show...

And we (and many other teams) passed on Debrincat because he was too small. How good would he look on Barzal's wing and on the left hash on the PP? Now, to be fair, outside of Debrincat and Bratt (6th round) NO ONE has made an impact on offense who was drafted after Bellows.

That draft is looking pretty dreadful right now beyond the top 16.