Season Preview: Tyler McNeely

Tyler McNeely


Position: LW
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 165 lbs
Birthdate: April 8th, 1987 (24 years old)
Birthplace: Burnaby, British Columbia
Acquired: Signed Free Agent
Drafted: N/A

2010-2011 Team: Northeastern University, Bridgeport Sound Tigers
2010-2011 Stats: 38 GP - 13 G - 21 A - 34 P - 52 PIM, 10 GP - 5 G - 6 A - 11 P - 4 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Top 9 forward

Last year: Tyler McNeely had a whirlwind year last year. He was the captain of the Greg Cronin lead Northeastern collegiate team to start the year, totaling a very solid 34 points in 38 games including 13 goals. He followed that up by signing an AHL only contract with Bridgeport, where he played the Sound Tigers' final 10 games of the season, averaging over a point-per-game getting top minutes with a depleted lineup and linemates such as Jeremy Colliton and Rhett Rakhshani. McNeely, who finished with a +9 rating in Bridgeport, fit right in and was said to bring outstanding chemistry to that line.

Expectations: The Islanders rewarded McNeely by signing him to a two-way NHL/AHL contract after the season ended, which they were right to do. There was little doubt McNeely was going to get NHL two-way offers with the way he finished the season out in Bridgeport, so the Isles got a head start and got a deal done quickly. McNeely now has the opportunity to show that he is professional level material, as he will most likely continue to be on a like with Colliton and Rakhshani. If not, the Sound Tigers have very capable centers in David Ullstrom, Casey Cizikas, and Tony Romano, so there are options for McNeely to produce. With the Sound Tigers lineup getting younger and more full with Islander draft picks, McNeely has a chance to be one to stand out and show that it isn't just about the draft.

Projections: 64 GP - 16 G - 23 A - 39 P

Thoughts: 

CH: McNeely is one of those under-the-radar guys that no one hears about until they start producing at the AHL level. There is certainly a lot of potential there - he is a hard worker who was a leader on his Northeastern team in college. He scored at a very productive rate last year and I'm sure is looking to prove that he belongs. It should be very exciting to see how he develops this year as he will certainly get an opportunity on a Bridgeport team that is still somewhat bereft of top-end AHL talent. The wings are a little crowded with Rhett Rakhshani, Justin DiBenedetto, Tim Wallace, Sean Backman, and potentially Micheal Haley, but if McNeely plays in camp the way he did last year there is no doubt he will get an opportunity. It's a big year for Tyler, and a good one will certainly be a catalyst for the beginning of a solid professional career.

AT: McNeely is still somewhat young and has time to produce in Bridgeport. If what we saw last year is any indication, he is ready for the professional leagues and can and will produce when placed on a line that accentuates his skillset. He came out of nowhere after Bridgeport was severely depleted from callups and injuries last year, so it's great to see he's taking advantage of this unique opportunity provided to him. I expect to see an offensive outburst from him this year on a line with Ullstrom or Cizikas.