Position: RW
Weight: 174 lbs
Birthdate: March 6th, 1988 (Age 23)
Birthplace: Huntington Beach, CA, US
Acquired: Draft, Round 4, 100th overall, 2006 NHL Entry Draft
2010-2011 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
2010-2011 Stats: 66 GP - 24 G - 38 A - 62 P - 32 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Top 6 Winger
Last year: Rakhshani was one of the lone bright spots in an abysmal Bridgeport season last year. He put up the most points on the team, nearly hitting 40 assists on a team with barely any goal scoring ability. He was utilized almost consistently on the top line and really found a chemistry with the team, which led to his offensive outburst this past year. For a rookie in the AHL, what he was able to accomplish is nothing short of outstanding. Clearly the AHL saw that as well when they named him to the All-Rookie team, and he was noted around the league for his on-ice vision and ability to set up plays like very few can. He also had one game where he scored 3 straight goals in 119 seconds. AHL or not, that is something that will follow him for the rest of his life, and he will always be remembered for by anyone who has even the slightest attention in the AHL.
Expectations: Rakhshani doesn't really fit on to the Islanders this season and will almost definitely return to Bridgeport for another year, playing with a revamped forward corps. Whether he is placed with Casey Cizikas, David Ullstrom or Jeremy Colliton as his center is up to them, but seeing how well Rakhshani is able to set up plays and score magnificent goals, I doubt he'll have trouble with any of them. Rakhshani should be eclipsing what he was able to accomplish last year with this revamped team, so we should have a very exciting season on our hands.
Projections: GP 73 - 30 G - 42 A - 72 P
Thoughts:
AT: Rakhshani was a huge surprise after coming out of a hugely successful career at the University of Denver. We knew he would produce, but not to this level. It will be very exciting to watch him form chemistry on a proper AHL team, and his point production should increase dramatically if he really clicks. It is worth noting however that Rakhshani suffered a concussion in the first rookie game, his second one in the last 6 months. If he can stay healthy, big things will arise from this multi-national sleeper.
CH: Rakhshani had a magnificent AHL rookie campaign last season, and even saw some time on the NHL squad. He's small in size, but plays a lot bigger than he is. A fast skater with a hard shot, Rakhshani skills have translated to the professional ranks from Denver as his game is much more mature than the average AHL rookie. While it is unfortunate that he suffered a second concussion, once he gets back there is no reason to think he won't pick up right where he left off. Rakhshani has become a 4th round gem from Neil Smith's only draft as an Islander, and has become a key piece of the Isles depth forwards.
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