Where do you think most of these ATO guys are going to play next year?
ECHL baby!
Seriously though... for the Isles...
It looks like they're gonna to have the following six Dmen opening in Bridgeport next season.
Wishart, de Haan, Katic, Ness, Klementyev, Donovan
In addition, they need to make a decision on Sim (NCAA kid who just finished his senior year and has NOT gotten an ATO) while Oshawa overager Tony DeHart is also ready for at least a two-way AHL/ECHL contract.
On top of that, before Ness and Donovan were signed, it was felt that Blake Kessel (junior at UNH) was the readiest NCAA Dman the Isles had, i.e. that he too would be signing on as soon as his season there was over. May still happen, although I'm thinking now that they'll be putting that on hold.
Any way you put it, that is ONE heck of a small, inexperienced and unaggressive blueline. I don't think a one of them is gonna be older than 23 by the beginning of next season, if even that.
For those thinking at least one of these kids will be on the Island, this may be the case should injuries set in, but the Isles ALREADY have the following NHL Dmen under contract next year:
Streit, Eaton, Jurcina, Hillen, Hamonic, MacDonald, Mottau
Word in Islanderville is that another midrange veteran WILL be sought out on the UFA market. Islander fans feel it MAY be McCabe.
Brian Day just completed college and had some interesting stats there, especially his sophomore and junior years. This ATO is a true ATO, as in the Isles really need to see what he brings to the table in 8-10 AHL contests. He now has 2-1-3 in 5 games. Anything more than a two-way AHL/ECHL contract is not expected.