Islanders Sign Denver's Matt Donovan to Entry Level Deal
by Dominik on Mar 30, 2011 11:44 AM EDT
in Roster Manoeuvres in the Dark
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Begun, the Matt Donovan Era has:
The New York Islanders announced today that defenseman Matt Donovan has agreed to terms on an entry-level contract. Donovan will report to the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, to play out the remainder of the 2010-11 season on an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO). His entry-level contract will commence in the upcoming 2011-12 season.
Donovan, 20, led all University of Denver defensemen in scoring this season with a career-best 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) as a sophomore. The Edmond, Okla., native completed his two-year NCAA career with 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists) in 78 games.
Okay, he's not as hyped as what would normally elicit an overused Jedi reference, but still...
[Post updated below with various this, that and what-nots]
Donovan has impressed pretty much every fan and pundit who's watched him both at NCAA Denver and in junior competition on that 2010 WJC gold medal squad. He's a good puck mover who appears to think the game quite well. (And, not for nothing, with the Islanders defense injury riddled and raiding the Sound Tigers for reinforcements, Bridgeport could use the help.)
I think some fans hoped this might happen, but no one was sure with just two years of college completed. So add another promising young blueliner to the organizational mix for 2011-12, where Donovan will join Calvin de Haan and Aaron Ness as full-time members of the party.
From the Denver Post:
"We wish Matt continued success in professional hockey," DU head coach George Gwozdecky said in a statement. "Matt was a very dynamic defenseman who helped us win a lot of games in two seasons." Donovan becomes the sixth Pioneer to leave after his sophomore season to sign a professional contract, following Paul Stastny (Colorado, 2006), Brock Trotter (Montreal, 2008), Tyler Bozak (Toronto, 2009), Joe Colborne (Boston, 2010), and Patrick Weircioch (Ottawa, 2010). Here's hoping he becomes at least the second-most impressive member of that list. From Michael Fornabaio of the Conn. Post, on the impact at Bridgeport and other notes:
Donovan won’t join the team in Portland, though. Who will: another lefty defenseman, Matt Campanale from the Philly area via the University of New Hampshire, and forward Chris Barton, who for the past three years has been the second-leading scorer at Merrimack; he was the third-leading scorer in his freshman season. (The past two years, he has only been behind Stephane Da Costa, the French native who’s the premier college free agent this spring.)
So that’s 10 players on amateur tryouts. The first one who plays tonight becomes the 300th regular-season player in team history. When they all play, they’ll make 59 players this year, not counting Petizian. What a year.
Fifty-nine bodies. Wow. Also from Denver, this before the news broke is a small reflection of how Donovan's early departure is a hit to Denver's plans.
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Well I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again, probably the end of the line for Dustin Kohn.
6 Defenseman signed for next season for the Isles, Ty Wishart, Mark Katic, Aaron Ness, Anton Klementyev, Donovan, Maybe De Haan, Tony DeHart at the very least (I didn’t double check, I’m probably missing someone or two) for BP.
I wonder if BP will even have room for Wotton next season. It’s plausible the Isles might keep Reese around on a two way so they don’t have to dig as deep into the youth as they did this year if everything possible goes wrong.
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I can't say Kohn ever impressed me
So if he’s a casualty of a “good problem to have,” then that’s fine with me. Kohn strikes me as a guy who needs to choose a specialty to get more NHL time somewhere.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
I never got to see enough of him, but considering he hasn’t even sniffed the NHL this year, I’m shocked.
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
This is good news
In a couple of years I would not be the least bit surprised if (when) Donovan is at the top of the depth chart. I think he’ll be that good. Bridgeport’s defense next year is going to be a deep prospect pool. The future looks good!
This is really really exciting news
Donovan this year was sort of like the Hamonic of last year….the D Prospect whose stock rose greatly and made me very excited.
But the thought was that he’d stay all four years in college. Wow, this is excellent.
This is no Aaron Ness guys, Donovan is a real prospect.
I really like the idea of both Donovan and de Haan knocking on the door
I can’t blame a kid for wanting to stay in college, so I didn’t let my hopes get high for him to leave this year. So yeah, I’m a wee bit excited.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Seriously, think of our D corps by the end of next year
Streit-Wishart,
AMac-Hamonic,
Donovan-De Haan
One great vet, 5 really solid to great young kids. I mean…..my goodness. And if by some chance we draft a first round D man (winning the lottery to get Larsson)……
Now if only we could fix the goaltending situation.
I would be shocked
if that was our D at the end of next year.
Donovan’s good, but he’s going to need at least 1 season in the AHL. And if De Haan starts in the AHL too, I don’t see him getting rushed up either. Snow has been good about giving prospects time to develop unless something crazy happens. I figured Wishart is 1st emergency calup, depending on if Hillen/Gervais are the 7/8 Dmen or in BP
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I agree, I think De Haan and especially Donovan will get at least in BP barring emergency call-ups or exceptional play. Donovan and De Haan both seem relativly pretty well rounded for there age but both will need some time to adjust to the size and speed of the pro game. Also, you have to wonder what ultimately the plans are going to be down the road as we do have a lot of offensive minded smaller defenseman coming through the system and we could use some balance of bigger more physical guys in the system. Donovan and De Haan are in my opinion our two best defense prospects and there could be room for both on the Isles blueline in the future but we should keep an eye for bigger shutdown types.
You forget injuries
Also, Hamonic was like the 2nd D-Man called up this year.
De-Haan will be up next year at some point (they came close to letting him make the team two years ago). Donovan is more speculative.
Hamonic was called up
because both Katic and Kohn were hurt at the time, Reese was already called up, Wotton (who couldn’t be called up anyway) was hurt and it was either Hamonic or Klementyev
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
didnt klementyev....
get a call up last year? for like 1 game
"Mario Lemiuex… I used to respect you."- Turgeon1992
Yep, and about 7 minutes or something
But it was a weird emergency scenario where he was the only one eligible and they knew they’d be fine one game later.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
And another 2008 draft pick goes pro
Way to go, Garth!
Now if we can get Trivino, Toews, and Petrov in the Bridge, then our entire 2008 draft class (who are still NYI property) will be pro.
That 2008 draft class
Yeah, that 2008 clas could be by the time its all said and done be the turning piont!
Josh Bailey
Travis Hamonic
Kirill Petrov
David Ullstrom
Kevin Poulin, Goalie
Matthew Martin
Justin di Benedetto
It could rival the 1974 class:
Clark Gillies
Bryan Trottier
Dave Langevin
Stefan Persson
by Russel Ginart on Mar 30, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Errr, Lets not go too far.
Right now the only one of those guys who seems likely to be a stud is Hamonic (no offense to Bailey). The rest are all unknowns to “not likely”s.
Having three everyday NHLers from a draft three years ago isn’t bad, even if none are stars in the making. Still, I agree it’s a bit of stretch to think it could rival 1974. I am just happy that it does rival most of mad mike’s years. Things like taking goalies with our first pick and taking to many europeans (who I feel are riskier picks if they are not already playing in Canada) always irratated me about Milbury and so far I have to be happy with what Snow has done with the draft
I was not implying that the 2008 class would rival; the 1974 class as far as HOFers just that both classes seemed to have produced quality starters. Its how good quality contending teams are built.
by Russel Ginart on Mar 30, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Outside the org
You know what’s wild (no awful pun intended)? Jared Spurgeon has 47 NHL games already.
Jyri Niemi, not so much.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Two members of 1974 class are in the Hall of Fame
Could we get more NHLers from the 2008 class? Sure. But those are two first-line forwards of one of the greatest lines ever assembled.
If Bailey reaches his potential (Patrick Sharp to Tavares’ Toews?), Petrov comes over and becomes a legit Top 6 power forward, Hamonic exceeds potential and becomes a shutdown defenseman and Poulin becomes a franchise starter, it could definitely rival that class.
That’s a whole lot of wishful “ifs.” But hey, none of those scenarios are implausible. Who knows? You may be right.
The 2001 and 2007 draft classes
These two classes produced no-one. The 2001 clas had no one that made the NHL. The 2007 class (as far as I can remember) Produced nothing either, due to giving away picks for Smyth. So far five guys have played in the NHL from one class (2008). That is outstanding draft work.
by Russel Ginart on Mar 30, 2011 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
2007 draft class
I believe Mark Katic came from the 2007 draft, but I want to say that’s all so far.
We are talking about one of most fruitful drafts instrumental in bulding one of the top five teams ever assembled (dynasty era Islanders) so I think it’s an impossible standard. I think what could be remembered from 2008 if things work out reasonably well is maybe quantity over quality, and if we win a cup in the next ten years it could contain some important role players taken in 08. There are also still some players (Donovan included) that do have star potential and there is still that chance it is considered among the very best of Islanders history
There is still lots of time
for some of these ’08 guys to reach “star” status. two years ago how much love was A-Mac getting?
NOWHERE Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
Just by Chance
Was anyone else scared by his picture on NewYorkIslanders.com?
All Who Oppose Grabner Shall Perish.
No, but..
When I clicked over to that site, I almost had to wonder who the guy was in the center of the splash page, “Hmm, Mark Something-or-other”………..
Can’t wait to see him out there again.
All in all, a good 24 hours for the organization.
by FLIslesfan22 on Mar 30, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Just to clarify
I mean the picture you get when you click on his name. That one. Scary.
All Who Oppose Grabner Shall Perish.
He looks like...
Cameron from Ferris Bueller
http://www.80s.com/saveferris/images/cast/ruck.jpg
minus the Wings jersey, thank God…..
by FLIslesfan22 on Mar 30, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you sure it's not Matt Martin's father?
Scary resemblance.
here's Matt
just as a Cam-parison
http://islanders.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8474659
http://www.80s.com/saveferris/images/cast/ruck.jpg
The same face, the same hair, even the same expression….
by FLIslesfan22 on Mar 30, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
BIG BIG BIG Donovan fan
If he reaches his potential he could be a future Mark Streit. His style is perfect for an offensive defenseman in the post-lockout era. The biggest question, as it was for Streit in Montreal, is if he can grow his defensive game (not that it is bad to start with). I cannot wait to see how he handles the AHL.
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
Not to Ruin the Joy
But our lack of physical defensemen in the system still bothers me a little. We have a lot of puck-moving defensemen, which is fine, but we could really use a physical presence.
All Who Oppose Grabner Shall Perish.
I think those are easier to find
So it’s not as important to have touted ones lurking in the system (unless you’re the Rangers and you just have to have McIlrath), since they can pop out of nowhere. As opposed to D or forwards who have offensive skill.
This is a simplification, but I’m thinking: When you have a gem like Markov who is not really “physical,” he can make a physical Komisarek type really effective — so effective looking that someone is fooled into giving him a bunch of money to try to replicate that on his own.
But yeah, all those small-framed D prospects are coming through now, so I don’t imagine they will load up quite as much on Spurgeon/Ness types in the future. That struck me as part of 2008 restock the cupboard philosophy, where you had to take shots at talent in the hopes that a couple of them worked.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
You can teach a scorer how to check
But teaching a checker how to score, that’s a tougher task. Where have I heard that before? :)
hey hey
Someone taught Gillies how to score
"you may be discounting the fact that he's AWESOME." ~ Pauly C stating the obvious about Moulson.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Trevor?
Hey, he scored a goal in the NHL. How many of us would kill to say the same?
NOWHERE Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
by since70too on Mar 30, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And he'd have TWO, too
If it weren’t for those darned kids, er Campbells.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Oh, it's so on!
More great news! So this means that their (ness and Donovan) college careers are over right? Because they signed pro contracts or is an ATO different where they could go back to school If it didn’t work out?
Bridgeport is going to be nice by mid-season…how does this bode for Gervais and Hillen? (I think Hillen has a place on this team an has played well, but even Bridgeport will be full, with Mottau and Eaton also signed, Snow will have to cut some bait and won’t have much leverage in trades (assuming any of those guys had trade value to begin with).
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Mar 30, 2011 12:52 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Absolutely agree!
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
And being hurt right now,
We may have already seen the end of Bruno…I will get to work on an obituary…
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Mar 30, 2011 1:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Seriously
How does it feel when you get to the rink for treatment and someone says, “Hey, we signed Donovan!” Writing on the wall, but hey Switzerland is nice.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Wonder what's on the menu
for Bruno’s last supper?
Maybe he can replace the role of Chef on South Park?
by 4PeatSake on Mar 30, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bruno's last supper
He will be sitting amongst his disciples eating bread and toasting wine.
by Russel Ginart on Mar 30, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree, but sad....sorta
Is anyone else at least a bit sad to be at what looks like the end of Bruno’s tenure on the Island? He’s been one of those frustrating players that has made me turn away (or…even worse…turn OFF the TV) with some bone-headed plays, but to me he is a symbol of how far we’ve come, and there is just some sentiment with his career.
Remember just a few years ago, him and Campoli were our youngest, most promising defensemen? We all hoped he would develop into something more, and obviously he didn’t, so it is 100% time for him to go….but to me he’s a great teammate and LI citizen, and for someone to be here during the darkest of dark days means something.
Eh, I’m over it- can’t wait to see Donovan!
by Nyisles82 on Mar 30, 2011 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Definitely
I’ve cursed his game many a time, but I’ll always have an attachment to players who paid their dues and handled the storm with grace.
They are lucky to have the jobs they do, but they’re also working in front of 50,000 very critical bosses who talk about their mistakes on the radio, online, and in a very large peanut gallery for six months each year.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
As long as a man can still cook, he shall not perish
But hockey, now hockey is another question.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
by Dominik on Mar 30, 2011 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Writing was on the wall...
…when Snow said in February that they needed a RH defender, and the current starting lineup had FOUR… of which Bruno was the FOURTH. So as LH defenceman started to come off IR(none except Wishart did) he’d be gone, and most certainly he was talking about next year which didn’t bode well for Radek either.
But… it does strengther their bargaining positions should that well be dry.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Heh
I suppose you could argue the writing was on the wall last summer.
Rather than the term “just about replacement level” we should have “just above buyout level.” He performed and earned just at the right level to avoid early buyout. He’s certainly had his moments, and playing his off side sure doesn’t help, but those moments are too few and far between.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Hillen Deserves to Stay
He impressed me this year with the effort he put in. If he doesn’t stay then I will be disapointed.
All Who Oppose Grabner Shall Perish.
by pippup on Mar 30, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Tremendous!
I’ve been a big fan of Donovan since noting him as the best player in any of the Denver games I’ve seen. Even on Rhett’s better days, Matt was a really nice, puck mover, and responsible presence in his own end.
I see Amac type potential, maybe even a little more offensively.
Having rotated through small samples of NHL-Katic and NHL-Wishart this year I’d have to say that a lot of the “DEPTH” issues will be cleared up going into this off-season. Garth will have replaced AHL journeymen with NYI draft picks, and high ranking prospects from other organizations.
Now comes the question of coaching… I still like the idea of getting this young defensive group under the guidance of Dean Chynoweth… I think I’d be comfortable with Jack going back, but I’m not so sure he will… and the Mother Club will need just as much developmental coaching (unfortunately) as the AHL squad. Especially with vets like Marty and Weight most likely being ex-isled.
Year four of the “rebuild” and we may be getting younger still.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Coaching
That’s a really important point, IMO. They’ve drafted, they’ve signed, now the final difference they can make is in development. I’ve no answers there, I just hope they have the right guides in place to help make a difference along the edges.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Don't worry...
… that’s not an overused Jedi quote, because it’s from the prequels.
Good news, at least for the Bridge. The more players like Donovan we have, the better chance a few become bona fide pros. Good on Garth for stocking up.
Commissioner of the FIG pool, because I'm one terrible player.
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on Mar 30, 2011 1:08 PM EDT reply actions
Strong in the force, Matt Donovan is
Also, what prequels? There were only 3 star wars movies made!
by garik16 on Mar 30, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Ha ha ha! Good point.
Commissioner of the FIG pool, because I'm one terrible player.
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on Mar 30, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
OT: is it me or.........
The voice for Yoda in Star Wars: the same voice that did Fozzy Bear on the Muppet Show?
by Russel Ginart on Mar 30, 2011 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
yup, same guy
Frank Oz. Also Grover on Sesame Street, Miss Piggy, and several others.
Also, the crooked cop who planted PCP in Dan Ackroyd’s pocket in Trading Places. “You ever seen what this stuff does to kids??!?”
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
Thanks mikb
Frank OZ, taleneted voice ala Mel Blanc!
by Russel Ginart on Mar 30, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And the FSB exam proctor in "Spies Like Us" too
Chevy Chase film FTW.
“Would you hold my wallet while I take this exam? There’s $1000 in it. Or maybe there isn’t…know what I mean?”
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Whassa youssa ssayin?? Youssa bombadd!!
>;-)
"Seriously that's the last time you guys f#@%ing won?" -RSH (about beating the Penguins in '93)
Very Good news.
I have heard nothing but good things about this kid, i think he will do well.
But not to be a party pooper but BP is gonna end up fielding the smallest blueline
in the history of mankind. (maybe a slight exaggeration)
You get the point.
by The Danish Backhand of Judgement on Mar 30, 2011 1:13 PM EDT reply actions
Why are 200+ lb guys now considered "smallest in the history of mankind"? It defies reason.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Mar 30, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
He'd be the 2nd biggest on BPT
Behind Wishart. Katic, Ness, Dehaan are pretty small by pro standards. 200 is about average, and let’s face facts, that IF they’re being honest about the measurements…usually they’re embellished. When I saw the Amac and Grabner interview with Jaffe, I thought “geez, most of my frinds are about that size or bigger”. Maybe Jaffe is tremendous, but he dwarfed both of them, and Amac is listed at 210 now.
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
Yeah, 200 is just average-ish at best
Although, trolling through other clubs’ prospect rosters (including NYR and Philly, SJ), they aren’t exactly that much larger — they just have one or two guys here who are 6’4" or something, plus more guys listed at 6’1".
But of course many of the really big guys are selected because they have size, with the hope that they’ll become hockey players, too. I think when you’re restocking a bare cupboard, you have to default to players who can play hockey first, and fill in your big oafs later.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
You don't have to be big to play big
Hamonic plays well above his size.
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
by Anarcurt on Mar 30, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just a couple of other Isles that were around 200 lbs.
D. Potvin, K. Morrow, Stefan Persson, Kenny Jonsson…
by metalcoconut on Mar 31, 2011 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously
If you listen to the way some people go off now when it comes to size, these same people would argue that Potvin himself would be a disaster waiting to happen who was going to be useless in playing a physical game because he will be constantly manhandled.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Mar 31, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
FWIW, that's a bad comparison.
The size of NHL players has gone up through the years, especially since Potvin’s time.
See:
Exactly this
I’m pretty sure original Gillies was considered a monster and he was what 215?
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Mar 31, 2011 11:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
the flaw in this kind of analysis
is that you presume a direct and unquestionable correlation between size and the most effective players at ANY time- and it is not the case. Bigger does not EQUAL better.
Seriously, it is hopeless having this conversation with men… hopeless.
Someone tells you size isnt everything and you LALALALALALA till they are done making their point, then continue on regarding why size is everything.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Mar 31, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
So...
I think what you’re saying is Gillies was a Hall of Famer because of his motion in the ocean?
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
by Dominik on Mar 31, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually, yes.
Its what you DO with it!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Apr 1, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't think Travis plays TO his size?
He’s what 6’1" 215? His measurements may not be wholly accurate, but that’s what he was measured at the WJCs last year…I trust them more than team measurements. To me he seems appropriately physical.
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Mar 31, 2011 11:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Great news lads
Wow. This is really good news. I’m one of those who thought this guy would spend all 4 years in college. Absolutely stoked about this one!
Bridgeport will indeed be fun to follow next year. With all these young, puck- moving defenders signed, something tells me that management believe CDH has what it takes to make 1st team. Or…Ness, Donovan, Katic are all small offensive D’s. Maybe they’ll put CDH in a more defensive role, who knows?
Here’s one hoping Anders Lee follows the same path.
Ha
In truth though there’s no danger of that, since he (and Ness) are on ATOs so that their three-year ELC deals don’t trigger until next year.
Lighthouse Hockey: Send us your cold, your poor, your healthy goalies.
Great news.
Always prefer guys leaving college early to come to BP. Shows they’re committed to their possible NHL future and seems like a better level of competition, as long as they’re ready for it of course.
Wonder if the timing
was affected by Aaron Ness’s decision to do same a few weeks back? Gotta think Donovan wouldn’t want to fall behind by a year on the depth charts.
Great news
It will be fun seeing what Donovan, Ness and maybe de Haan can do in BP. I wonder if Kessel and Dehart are next?
As far as size goes, most of these kids are in fact “kids”. They will put weight on as they mature. I think they’ve said de Haan has put on 20 lbs already since he was drafted.
I’ve been high on Donovan since last years WJC win by the US. I think he has a chance to be a solid 4-6 defensemen. With Amac, Wishart and Hamonic; the 2nd and 3rd pairings could be pretty sound.
Too early to know how good de Haan could be or how Ness could fit in.
Getting lucky at the lottery/draft and getting Larson could solidify the defense for years. It could be worth trying to trade up to get him. Not sure what it would take. If Edmonton picks first they may take Nugent-Hopkins. Not sure who Colorado would take second. Isles should pick 3rd to 5th, unless luck shines on them on lottery day.
Wave of Wonder Kids continue
This is the fruits of the the last few drafts begining to pay dividends … I’m impressed with the 2008 draft … and I remember back then we were told the draft would be a HUGE success if HALF of those drafted even made it to the Bridge … we are well beyond that already.
I think there is enough talent on the blue line now tabbed for the Bridge for ALL of them to develop the right way and not get rushed. Injuries to the Islanders may force a Hamonic situation … and both the Isles and Hamonic enjoyed the happy surprise of his great play.
I still think the Isles could use a top tier blue line stud prospect like Larsson or consolation prize Siemens … then give them another year or two to develop. There’s also Hamilton and Murphy … Hey … depending on where we end up drafting picking up a R-N Hopkins or Landeskog will in no way set back the rebuild.
Good times good times.
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Mar 30, 2011 8:16 PM EDT reply actions
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Washington
|
Tue 02/28 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
@
Philadelphia
|
Thu 03/01 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
@
Boston
|
Sat 03/03 | 1:00 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
|
@
Buffalo
|
Tue 02/21 | L 1 - 2 |
|
Ottawa
|
Mon 02/20 | L 0 - 6 |
|
Carolina
|
Sat 02/18 | W 4 - 3 |
|
@
St. Louis
|
Thu 02/16 | L 1 - 5 |
|
@
Winnipeg
|
Tue 02/14 | W 3 - 1 |
Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New York Rangers
|
58 | 38 | 15 | 5 | 81 |
|
New Jersey
|
59 | 35 | 20 | 4 | 74 |
|
Philadelphia
|
59 | 33 | 19 | 7 | 73 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
60 | 34 | 21 | 5 | 73 |
|
New York Islanders
|
60 | 25 | 27 | 8 | 58 |
(updated 2.22.2012 at 8:56 AM EST)
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