Editor's Note: FanPost front-paged for this hot topic of the next two weeks.

Evgeni Nabakov has been amazing for the Isles over the past few weeks, and he's certainly been responsible for the wins against LA and Philly in the last week. If he could continue to play like this, the Isles MIGHT have a shot at the playoffs.

And yet the Islanders need to trade Nabokov for a prospect/draft pick. Preferably soon.

There are two reasons for this. The first is less important, but is easier to understand so I'll start with that:

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Watching todays game made me miss last years team. Watching the boys get pummeled today with no recourse. Parentau likes to jaw and look tough but you and the other team no he isnt going to do anything, Martin has been dropping the gloves less frequently and never seems to win any of the fights he is in.

So i would like to get thoughts on why Micheal Haley is not on the team. I know the main reason is because he doesnt score but neither does Pandolfo or Rolston. I feel Haley would be much more useful on that fourth line than either of those two and he would at least give some back bone to this team.

Each week starting in February I will feature a top draft eligible player from each of the NCAA, CHL & USHL leagues for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft. While the Islanders work on their 2nd half playoff push (as usual), I think this is a good time to read up on players who could end up putting on an Islanders jersey this June. For more Islanders rants and Draft Prospect news, I invite you to follow me on twitter:@Kevin_Corey

"The High Impact Crusher and Rusher" – Bob McKenzie

There are many talents that attract the average fan to the game of hockey. Is it a player’s ability to skate effortlessly, end to end and score a highlight reel goal? Are you left speechless by these courageous goalies standing in front of Zdeno Chara’s 108.8mph slap shot? Is it funny to watch two grown men with no teeth throwing haymakers only knocking out more teeth? Or the feeling you get when you watch a player move across the blue line to deliver an earth shattering check that make you cringe? Whether your fan of Sidney Crosby, George Parros, Dion Phaneuf, or Martin Brodeur, you have to respect what each of those players bring to game and how important their role is to their team. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to appeal to the fan that loves the big hit.

Think back to January 31st, 2010. Defenseman Dion Phaneuf was traded in a seven player deal from the Calgary Flames to the Toronto Maple Leafs. While theirs great debate whether he’s [Phaneuf] overrated or not, Brian Burke believes that "Phaneuf is a warrior. He's got a cannon for a shot. He plays the game hard and I want players who play the game hard because they're hard to play against." Burke admired his play so much; Phaneuf was awarded the "C" during the off-season. This June, you can sure as hell bet that all 30 NHL general managers will be taking a long look at Matt Dumba. For the Alberta native, Dumba is known for having an "excitement" factor to his game. Some scouts have said Dumba possesses the same qualities as Phaneuf while Bob McKenzie and the rest of the TSN panel compare him as the next coming of P.K. Subban. My take: if his abilities continue to match his passion and excitement for the game, he very well could be on his way to becoming a franchise defenseman and one day having prospects being compared to him.

Sliding in at #5 in Bob McKenzie’s Mid-Season NHL Draft Rankings, Dumba is currently tied for 3rd on his team with 38 Points in 50 games played. Sporting the number 24 for the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL, Matt Dumba was awarded the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for WHL's Rookie of the Year in 2010–11. The biggest believer in Matt Dumba is Matt Dumba himself. In a recent 1on1 interview with TSN’s James Duthie, Dumba admitted he believes he can catch Nail Yakupov for the top spot before the end of the season". This would not only make it 5 years in a row a Canadian has been chosen first but prove maybe the "Russian Factor" does indeed exist? Or are you convinced it will solely depend on who retains the number one pick and what their needs are. Let’s go with that for now and try these for instances: If Columbus is awarded the number one pick on draft lottery day, you can bet that they will be putting all their chips on Nail Yakupov in June. However, if a team like the Edmonton Oilers stumbles their way with a win on lottery night, one must assume GM Steve Tambellini will address their defensive needs with a player like Matt Dumba.

"If there was a University of Hockey, then Mathew Dumba would soon be embarking on a PhD in hockey physics. The kid uses angles, momentum, positioning, powerful skating and timing to unleash highlight reel, but legal hits. He also possesses unbelievable spatial awareness and his anticipation is off the charts". – Christopher Ralph, THW

No one is a bigger fan of Matt Dumba than Craig Button. The former Calgary Flames general manager said, "Every time I watch him [Dumba] play, all I see is continued progress in his game. I watch and I don't see any area of his game that he cannot only play in, but can dominant and excel in. He reminds me of Chris Chelios, with a little bit of Scott Stevens." Central Scouting currently ranks Dumba at #7, Craig Button has him ranked at #2. Unfortunately for Dumba, neither of these pre-draft rankings could influence Don Hay, coach of team Canada’s WJC team. "Cutting players are always tough decisions," coach Don Hay said. "Whenever you're dealing with elite players and real good players, the decisions are tough. The first round is tough decisions." One of those tough decisions was on Dumba, a top prospect for the 2012 NHL Draft and the youngest skater in camp. "I thought Matt did very well," Hay said. "They're all good players. Matt Dumba is an elite player. We knew he would do well here, but is he ready for this tournament at this time? We don't think so." You could hear the disappointment in Dumba’s voice when he found out. "I really wanted to make this team," he said. "It was really hard to wake up this morning and pack my stuff up. Emotional, but I'll get through it. Just the experience is great." It’s very easy to forget fellow Red Deer Rebel, 2011 1st overall pick - Ryan Nugent Hopkins was cut in 2010. So, will that cut diminish any chances Dumba had at going 1st overall, or fuel the fire that burns inside only motivating him to have a strong, convincing year in the WHL.

If you’re a New York Islanders fan, you’re craving for a prospect like Matt Dumba. Sure the Islanders invested a 2nd and 3rd round draft pick in players like Scotty Mayfield and Andrey Pedan, but one must remember not every draft choice always works out, regardless of how much promise they come with. Travis Hamonic has been the anchor on defense through the 2011-2012 season, but until recently you can see how much his presence is missed when you don’t have it in the lineup. A player who’s willing to play the body, clear the crease, block shots and treat no one with respect to their last name or the sweater they wear is something that GM Garth Snow should be searching for more of this summer. Matt Dumba very well could give the Islanders the boost they need down the road as Travis Hamonic eventually assumes the number one role. With 5 months to go until draft day, we hope that Garth and Co. will be doing their "due-diligence" – watching many, many, many Red Deer Rebels games.

"Scouts have been marveling over Dumba's offensive skills since he first stepped on WHL ice in 2010 as a 15-year-old. Led all WHL rookie defencemen with 15 goals last season and notched 14 this campaign before the Top prospects game. Led the 2011 U-17 tournament in scoring, collecting 12 assists in six games. Strengths: One of the draft's best skaters and gets his team out of trouble with his wheels. Has a hard point shot, considered one of the best shooters in the draft. Strong passing skills and vision, adept at finding shooting and passing lanes, looks for the big hit and not afraid to lay out opponents. Weaknesses: A risk taker who will cost his team some goals with his over aggressiveness. Will need to add some muscle to play a robust style at the NHL level. Lack of size will cause him some problems down low and in front of the net. NHL upside: Draws many comparisons to PK Subban in skating, shot and risk taking, but may have more overall sense. Has the skills to be a power play quarterback and top two defenceman".
-Grant McCagg, TSN.ca

Interview with Dan Sallows
Edmonton Journal (Cult of Hockey)
TSN Featured Video on Matt Dumba (Click Here)


Other Draft Previews:
Nail Yakupov Draft Prospect Profile

I have been told that Dylan Reese is expected to be out 2-3 weeks with a knee injury, who do you think gets the call up?

I think it's about time that Wishart gets some time up top... I'm not too sure why he's been sewered all year but he had a good showing last year so, other than a sub-par pre-season, I don't see why he shouldn't get the call up. What are everyone's thoughts?

John Tonelli recently spoke with Phil Esposito and mentioned that he feels really bad for the players on the island, hinting that the atmosphere was less than positive. This sentiment seems to be pervasive (or at least it seems to be for outsiders) since the recent snubbings from Ehrhoff and Hamuis, and constant drubbings we get from the media (cough, Toronto, cough). I admit that I was more of a pessimist until recently, embarrassed by the Nordique invasion and the inordinate amount of visiting fans at many of our games.

But I am an Islander fan through and through and even have hope for a playoff run, dying for another Shawn Bates moment. Watching that video is part of why drinking the kool aid isn't such a bad idea, the ESPN announcers said it: "you are almost left totally speechless when you are in this building." The barn shakes when we fill it, and all it takes is a first round playoff bid to do it. Frankly our core now is far more exciting to watch then the Peca-Yashin team of yore. And that's my point: those of us who watch this team frequently and, more importantly, those who play for this team, know to look past the political boondoggle that is the NVMC and the Rolstonesque cap moves that help keep this team economical. This team is dynamic and exciting at its best and the players here seem to know that.

So...what will it take to convince Suter and the like to see what we see? Does this team have to rely on much longer process, rebuilding solely from within? Will this more lengthy and frustrating process work to keep fans away and politicians more reluctant to keep the isles safe and sound in Nassau?

Mike Milbury made a huge mark on the Islanders' franchise. Obviously not the mark everyone else would want, but its thanks to him the picture of the Islander's beloved crest (and even that god awful fisherman) would be easily found in any dictionary next to the words "doormats," "embarrassments," "poor management," etc. It's also the reason we get comments like this from major publications: "The Isles have put together a nice run of performances, going 6-2-2 in their past 10, which is typical of a franchise that has a knack for winning games when they don't matter." (Scott Burnside of ESPN as the latest of ESPN insults to our beloved franchise). Case in point: This guy has hurt the Islanders real bad.

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Each week starting in February I will feature a top draft eligible player from each of the NCAA, CHL & USHL leagues for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft. While the Islanders work on their 2nd half playoff push (as usual), I think this is a good time to read up on players who could end up putting on an Islanders jersey this June. For more Islanders rants and Draft Prospect news, I invite you to follow me on twitter:@Kevin_Corey

This year’s draft has already started a Twitter trend – #FailForNail. Currently playing for the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League, Nail Yakupov is considered to be the fan favorite to go 1st overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Yakupov was named the top North American-based skater in mid-season rankings released by NHL central scouting. When interviewed by TSN.CA, Dan Marr, the NHL's director of central scouting said "He's capable of being a difference-maker in a game." He continued by saying "He's got the ability there to just take over a game. He's got that high-energy, high-speed game and he's got a scoring touch."

After four straight seasons a Canadian has gone number one, this elite Russian has a chance to follow Alexander Ovechkin’s footsteps from 2004, going number one in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Bob McKenzie of TSN admires Yakupov’s willingness to go to the dirty areas to score goals and mix it up a bit once in a while.

"Last year Nail Yakupov was selected 2nd Overall in the CHL Import Draft. Expectations are high when you’re picked at that spot, but you never really know what to expect. On the first day of training camp, he unleashed the biggest one timer I’ve ever seen out of a 16 year old. At that moment I knew Yakupov was something special. Nail is arguably the best prospect available in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft for several reasons. First and foremost is his skating. He maintains a low centre of gravity, great strength in his lower body and his quick footwork allows his first few steps to be very strong, giving him exceptional acceleration."
- HockeyProspect.com’s Mark Edwards

After bowing out to Sweden one month ago at the World Junior Championships in the gold medal game, Yakupov unfortunately suffered a left knee injury that very same night putting him on hold to resume his season with the Sarnia Sting. The 18 year old finished the tournament with nine assists in seven games. Yakupov normally finds himself at the top of the scoring charts but has recently started to slip mostly due to playing 16 games less than the leading OHL scorer Tyler Toffoli of the Ottawa 67’s. According to Puck Daddy, "the name "Nail" is of Arabic origin and means "reaching" or "achieving" or "gaining success." Quite fitting for Yakupov". It’s safe to assume the fans of Columbus are already promoting the "Fail for Nail" Campaign even before the clock mishap in Los Angeles. However, will the "Russian Factor" scare Columbus General Manager Scott Howson away after his dealings with Nikita Filatov?

CBC HNIC radio interview with Jason Davidson
Interview with Dan Sallows
Interview with Yahoo Sports Dmitri Chesnokov

Season to Date: GP:29 G:22 A:33 P:55 PIM:24
NHL Potential: 1st Line Winger

Check back next week for a Matt Dumba feature. Please feel free to share this article with anyone who cares about the NHL Draft.

Ten-game segment #5 began filling up way back on January 21st. Thanks to a week off, it didn't end until Super Bowl Sunday's Rangers game. This means some teams are already well into Chunk #6.

This was the best segment of the year for the Islanders, going 6-3-1. It was good enough to be tied for 4th best in the Eastern Conference. Posting the same record in chunks #6, 7 and 8 would put the Isles at 39-31-10 and 88 points, with a 50/50 shot at the playoffs if they split the last two games, and a 66% chance if they took both.

First, a look at the standings with each team, frozen at 50 games:

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Hello again, people. I hope you're keeping up with Torgo's excellent continuing series comparing the Isles with all of the other teams in 10-game chunks.

So the Isles had a winning month in January. We are all noticing the team slowly coming together, hoping that there are more years in the Rebuild's rear view mirror than in its windshield. Many have pointed out that if the Isles performed this well the entire season, it would usually be good enough to make the playoffs.

I mean, that is good enough, isn't it? Instead of just throwing the monthly power rankings summary up and say "so... there's that!" like I always do, maybe I can actually put this one to good use by trying to answer that question: If the Islanders played the whole year like they did in January, would they be in the playoffs?

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I am watching (via DVR) tonight's game. With about 1:00 to play in the 1st, Eaton turned the puck over at his blueline

leading to one of the best chances of the night to that pt. for one of Ottawa's best players (Michalek). About 10 seconds

later, he turns it over AGAIN! This guy STINKS! Reese can SKATE CIRCLES AROUND THIS GUY! WHY MUST WE BE

SUBJECTED TO THIS LOSER? And why is it that all the real Isles fans on this site who have other jobs,etc. can see this

but the pros who run the team can't or won't???