Position: C
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 190 lbs
Birthdate: February 27th, 1991 (20 years old)
Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Acquired: Draft - 4th Round, 92nd Overall - 2009 NHL Draft
2010-2011 Team: Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
2010-2011 Stats: 52 GP - 29 G - 35 A - 64 P - 40 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Checking Line Center
Last year: Cizikas really broke out last season, as he finally showed the potential of what the Isles saw when they drafted him. It's hard to remember that Cizikas was actually touted as a potential first rounder a year before he was drafted. No matter how you slice it, Cizikas had an outstanding year. He averaged over a point-per-game with a ridiculous plus/minus rating in the OHL. He was named the captain of the Majors, one of the top OHL teams. Cizikas also played in two prestigious tournaments: the Memorial Cup (Mississauga was the host) and the World Juniors U-20. He performed very well at both, including an incredible 60 second penalty kill shift that was performed at an extremely high level. As a reward, the Islanders signed him to an entry-level contract just days before the June 1 deadline.
Expectations: Cizikas' rookie season in the AHL should be very interesting to follow. It's hard to gauge exactly what to expect from him, as his role is not clearly defined yet. However, with David Ullstrom and Jeremy Colliton most likely taking the top two center spots, Cizikas will most likely find himself in a checking role, which is what he is used to. For Casey, rounding out the defensive part of the game will be key, as the offensive game will eventually come along with some more experience and maturation. This season should be a good first step in establishing himself as a legitimate professional prospect that can play at the NHL level. But don't expect him to make his debut just yet - that will probably have to wait a year.
Projections: GP 74 - 16 G - 19 A - 35 P
Thoughts:
CH: Cizikas was a diamond in the rough that turned into a fantastic prospect in a short period of time. Every year the Isles take someone in his mold - in other words, someone who's potential is a lot higher than the place they are picked. Others include Kirill Petrov and Kirill Kabanov. Cizikas is going to get a real chance to prove himself at the next level, and I have little doubt he will given the overall nature of his game. His speed and defensive ability are going to be huge attributes for him at the AHL level, and is an added element that the Sound Tigers truly needed. The Sound Tigers are a young team, but are getting more talented after a dismal 2010-11, so if they turn around this year Casey will be a big part of it. Isles fans should be very excited about this kid's future, because he has a real chance to make an impact.
AT: The grit, skill and leadership Cizikas exhibited last year with St. Mikes was absolutely astounding. Everyone knew Cizikas had the tools to make in the NHL, but everything he showed last year proved he's going to be a pro for a very long time. He's going to be joining an incredibly improved Sound Tigers team and will probably become the team's number one center by the end of his tenure. With the capabilities he's shown, he should develop solid chemistry with whoever he's put with. He's not a huge player, but he's tough and willing to get physical and rough in the corners when necessary. Cizikas has always been an intriguing prospect due to a myriad of reasons, and it's absolutely fantastic to see what he's made of himself. Good luck, Kid.
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