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New York Islanders Top 25 Under 25: Boston University captain Doyle Somerby at #18

The Tall One will captain Boston University for his final NCAA season.

By Dominik
Scoring at the Frozen Four.
Scoring at the Frozen Four.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Score one for the allure size. That doesn't mean Doyle Somerby isn't talented -- he's played increasing roles and scored big goals for a major NCAA program at Boston University -- but certainly part of the appeal when he was drafted (2012, fifth round) out of Kimball Union Academy (high school) was a 6'5" frame that's now accompanied by a reported 226 lbs.

That's still what entices; reach and wingspan can offer a lot if the rest of the game comes with it. He's been a key blueline cog for BU for the last two seasons. Now Somerby will get a major leadership role, named captain of the Terriers for 2016-17, his senior year.

What happens from there depends in part on how that final collegiate year goes. The best case is that he exhibits the mobility and puck skills to indicate he can translate to the pros.

For now, he's on our radar, carrying that size along with a defensive conscience and the occasional offensive contribution. He comes in at #18 on our Spring 2016 Islanders Top 25 Under 25.

Enjoy an entertaining Q&A with him (Heights? A fear, but no problem) here.

How We Voted

King (CIL) Keith Mike B. McNally Garik Dominik Leboff Les
17 20 16
 21 23
 20 20 -

David King (CanadianIslesLifer):

Admittedly I haven't seen much of Somerby outside of prospect scrimmages. As with most, I've read that he has improved since he was drafted. At 6'5, 223 pounds and only 21, he has the size that everyone wants. The question is, does he have the skill set to develop into an NHLer?

Somerby has played thre season with Boston University. In 2013-14, he played 34 games, registering 1 goal, 3 assists and 49 PIMs. In 2014-15, Somerby posted I goal and 6 assists in 39 games, with 45 PIMs. In 2015-16, Somerby improved to 5 goals and 8 assists, while reducing his PIMs to 28 minutes in 39 games. Somerby is apparently deployed as the defensive partner with his team's top offensive Dman.

Keith:

Hulking mass of a human. Hope he exceeds glacial speed. Seems to get some good press about work ethic and intangibles and the like. Tangibly, his boxcar numbers are pretty poor.

McNally:

I'd put $20 down that this kid has a butler...or will be if his hockey career doesn't pan out. Polo anyone?

Mike B.:

In a crowded field of smallish, fast, offensive blueliners, Somerby is the big ol' crease-cleaner. As far as I know, he's never been asked to be an offensive catalyst. If he can do that too he'll certainly move up in next season's 25U25. If he has the mobility to keep up with the league's quicker forwards, then his size will give him a future and teams will find him a role.

Previously on the Spring '16 25U25

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