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New York Islanders Top 25 Under 25: Michael Dal Colle rebounds at #5

The sniper had a concerning dry spell, but returned to prolific ways after a trade back to an OHL contender.

By Dominik
Our future sniper?
Our future sniper?
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Michael Dal Colle had quite the Jekyll and Hyde 2015-16, given his fairly quick cut from training camp last fall, his extended slump with defending Memorial Cup champion Oshawa in the first half of the season, and his thunderous rebound once he was traded to Kingston and playing with high-end players again.

His ATO at the end of the season in Bridgeport affirmed he still has a ways to go to adjust to the pro game, but he'll have time to do that next season in the AHL. His shot, his anticipation and his character all mean continued promise. But the ceiling for the 5th-overall pick in 2014 is still up for debate.

The primary area to watch will be his skating, which still needs work and was surely part of why his baptism by fire on a playoff-bound team was a modest one in three regular season games and three playoff games. As he said in part during the season wrap at Soundin' Off:

"For me, just continue, obviously, it's a big offseason. I've got to continue to work on my skating. That's probably going to be a big part of my game."

Because of his high-end shooting and the possibility he'll be the sniper from the wing the Isles have long sought, most of us have him as the Islanders second-best forward prospect right now. But you can see from the rankings below and a few of our comments that we have some concerns, Dude. As probably the Isles' last top-five pick for the foreseeable future, they really need him to pan out.

How We Voted (and Some Why)

King (CIL) Keith Mike B. McNally Garik Dominik Leboff Les
5
 9
 5
 5 6
 8
 7
 5

David King (CanadianIslesLifer):

The near disappearance of Dal Colle during the first half of the season with Oshawa was a concern. Post-trade to Kingston, Dal Colle has been dominant. Dal Colle's bread and butter will always be his ability to score goals, though I'd argue his play making abilities are underrated.

Les (HockeyGoalieEh):

Michael Dal Colle started off rather disappointing with Oshawa as he posted 25 points in 30 games. He was moved to Kingston where he put up 55 points in 30 games including 27 goals; quite an amazing turn around. His production was just a bit worse than Anthony Beauvillier's and he's a year older, so he gets the fifth spot.

Garik16:

Dal Colle barely edges ahead of Beauvillier - he finished the year strong, but his start to last year was really poor for D+2. Hopefully the latter is more indicative than the former.

McNally:

Was anybody else scared by his 'slow' start last year? After his trade to Kingston, Dal Colle went back to being Michael Dal Colle, averaging near 1 goal and 2 points per game. He is stupid good offensively, but after his shot of espresso in Bridgeport last year, he may need a full season in the AHL to get the rest of his game up to an NHL level.

Keith:

Michael Dal Tambellini. I think he's gonna bust. Looks like he needs to be carried/doesn't seem to create his own offense. (Disclaimer: haven't seen him play a lot...based off of box scores/season performance.) This is the guy I dangle in trade offers for immediate help.

Mike B.:

Poor MDC. I loved his selection, and that has been an anchor around his neck. His response to a midyear trade to Kingston has reassured me of his talent and drive to improve. Even if it takes another full AHL season, I have high hopes for him.

Leboff:

Love's mysteries in souls do grow,
But yet the body is his book.

Previously in the Top 25 Under 25

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