News: Nabokov Skating at Ice Works

After failing to report after being claimed off of waivers by the Islanders last year and having his contract tolled, Evgeni Nabokov has fulfilled his promise to report to Long Island, and is skating at Islanders Ice Works at the moment in preparation for training camp.

AT: Well, this is going to make training camp a whole lot of fun. We have re-signed Al Montoya who was incredibly impressive down the final stretch last year and put up very impressive numbers behind a subpar defense, an oft-injured Rick DiPietro who seems to be trying once again to put up a full season, and the once great Evgeni Nabokov who is a proven NHL goalie, albeit his stats in the KHL last year were abysmal. All 3 goalies will clearly play it out in camp, and I doubt the Isles run with a 3 man rotation in goal. I would think that depending on who outperforms who in training camp and wins one of the two slots, the lesser man gets traded in a package deal for a defenseman. This is either going to be Montoya or Nabokov, as we know unless a retirement or buyout occurs, DiPietro is going nowhere. While I originally didn't even want Nabokov near the team due to his Kirk Muller-esque attitude towards the Isles, I think if he can show he's returned to form and can put up a 50+ game season, he is the goalie the Isles should roll with.

I really do believe that if Nabokov can return to prior form and Montoya (and possibly Comeau) is shipped off in a package deal for a legitimate top 4 D-man, the Isles will compete for the 5th or 6th spot in the standings all year long, and really do some damage in the playoffs. I have high hopes for this team this year. Let's hope this is the start of everyone else feeling the same way too. Of course, we have to see how Nabby performs, but this is already getting me excited for the season. Drop the puck already!

Nabokov, in another indication of his dedication to the team, actually ordered his own personalized Islanders helmet. I for one think it looks pretty awesome, and is much better than him going with a generic blue or white mask like you would expect from someone without any true dedication to the team.

CH: Awesome. A good day of news all around for the Isles, to be honest. Nabokov will come right in and compete for the starting spot - and probably should win it. He is by far the best and most experienced goalie on the roster, and the team should respond in front of him. A tandem of Nabokov and Montoya should be the ideal situation as of now, even if DiPietro puts a solid camp together. Either way, I'm happy the team is giving Nabokov a clean slate. Who cares what happened last year? It's about this year now, and if the team has true playoff aspirations, Nabokov should be the guy barring a complete bomb of a camp. Regardless, this is the most interesting storyline in camp, and it's certainly worth keeping an eye on.

Season Preview: Matt Donovan

Matt Donovan

Position: Defenseman
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 190
Birthdate: May 2nd, 1990 (21 years old)
Birthplace: Edmond, Oklahoma, USA
Acquired: Draft, Round 4, 96th overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Teams: University of Denver Pioneers/Bridgeport Sound Tigers
2010-2011 Stats (UD): 42 GP - 9 G - 23 A - 32 P - 64 PIM
2010-2011 Stats (BPT): 6 GP - 1 G - 4 A - 5 P - 10 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Top 4 D-man

Last year: Last year was easily Mr. Donovan's most impressive by far. Outstanding stats output in his season with UDenver as well as an offensive explosion in his 6 game stand with Bridgeport, vastly improved skills in every aspect of his game, and a generally better hockey player. Pretty much everything you can possibly hope for out of a 4th round pick. Although the Pioneers didn't make it very far in the NCAA Ice Hockey tournament, Donovan's season in general was phenomenal. His defensive ability was highly touted and after proving himself to the Islanders, he was provided with an ATO with the Sound Tigers and eventually signed his ELC with the team.

Expectations: Donovan should find himself on the top D-line this year with Calvin De Haan if both are sent back down to Bridgeport as is expected, which would be fine. Both the offensive and defensive capabilities of De Haan and Donovan are off the charts, and having them paired together would make for an absolutely, for lack of a better word, nasty first D pairing. Donovan is smaller, but he is filling into his frame exceptionally and with the shot that he carries - which notably won the fastest shot at the Isles' Blue and White scrimmage earlier in the Summer - as well as his fantastic skating ability, he should be helming this D corps.

Projections: GP 76 - 10 G - 33 A - 43 P

Thoughts:

AT: Next to Travis Hamonic (who probably isn't even considered a prospect by most anymore due to his progression), Matt Donovan is my favorite D-man in the system. The skillset he possesses leaves him with the ability to be a fantastic #2 or #3 d-man in this league for a very long time to come. He and Hamonic on a line together in the next year or so once he finally makes the jump to the big club is going to be an absolutely punishing force for opponents, and could end up being one of the best shutdown d-lines in the league if it happens that way. Just another example of smart drafting by Garth Snow and crew being able to pluck out the raw potential in someone like Donovan out of the USHL and develop him properly so that he can eventually become a staple on the Islanders' defense. I can not wait to see how far Donovan progresses this season.

CH: This is another guy who really blossomed out of nowhere. A hockey player from Oklahoma? Seems crazy, but not in this case. Donovan has really developed, progressing each year from his days in the USHL to last season at Denver. He made the United States U-20 team two years back, originally a long-shot candidate to make the team. For the most part Donovan has beaten the odds: hockey player from Oklahoma, fourth-round pick, WJC-20 participant, etc. Now, he gets the chance to play professionally for the Sound Tigers. I'm really excited about this player and while it's still somewhat of a project, his NHL potential is there. If he fulfills it, a core of Travis Hamonic, Andrew MacDonald, Calvin de Haan, and Donovan would be outstanding. But we have a long way to go for that - looking at the present, this is just a big first step.

Season Preview: Casey Cizikas

Casey Cizikas

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.

Breaking News: Russian plane carrying KHL team Lokomotiv crashes, killing all but 1

Absolutely terrible news out of Russia today, as it is now confirmed that a Russian jet carrying the entire Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team on board crashed shortly after takeoff, killing almost all on board. Current reports indicate that a crew member survived but was very badly burned. Of those killed includes former NHL'er and Lokomotiv head coach Brad McCrimmon, former NHL star Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Jan Marek, and former Islander Josef Vasicek.

AT: I think we can officially call this the worst offseason in the history of not just the NHL, but hockey in general. On a plane that was 3 weeks from being decommissioned. What can you even say about this? I'm at a total loss of words. After 3 tragic deaths from enforcers this year, we're hit with an event like this where an entire team consisting of mostly younger players is killed. This is easily one of the darkest moments in the history of sports, and especially hockey. All I can say now at this moment is that my heart go out to all the passionate fans of Lokomotiv, to all of the family and friends of the victims in the flight, and to all NHL fans or fans around the world who had a connection to a player lost on the flight, much like Islander fans did with Josef Vasicek. With a tragedy like this, the mourning process and acceptance of it is going to be difficult. Yet, as the saying goes, time heals all wounds. Lokomotiv will rebuild and these players will be forever remembered, much like when the US Figure Skating team lost it's entire roster in the 1961 crash. The only thing left to say is that I hope all of the players lost rest in peace. This was a shock to the world, and you are all in our hearts.

Season Preview: Tim Wallace

Tim Wallace

Position: LW/RW
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 187 lbs
Birthdate: May 17th, 1984 (27 years old)
Birthplace: Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Acquired: Signed Free Agent, 2011

2010-2011 Team: Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins / Pittsburgh Penguins
2010-2011 Stats (WBS): 62 GP - 20 G - 17 A - 37 P - 61 PIM
2010-2011 Stats (PGH): 7 GP - 0 G - 0 A - 0 P - 5 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Top 9 Forward

Last year: Wallace spent the bulk of his time last year with the WBS Penguins, otherwise known as the "Baby" Penguins. He put up respectable points with the amount of games played, putting up close to 40 points in a little over 60 games played. He plays a more physical game as a bigger forward and is known to throw hits when necessary, and certainly drops the glove when he feels the need to. He did put up 20 goals once again for WBS this past season and can certainly help on the offensive side of the game, but his vision isn't really that of a top 6 forward. However, playing with someone like Casey Cizikas or David Ullstrom, it's possible to see him slotting into the 2nd line if the chemistry clicks. Wallace was also called up on an emergency basis when the injury bug hit like it did for Pittsburgh last year after the loss of their 1 and 2 centers.

Expectations: Wallace isn't a flashy forward nor will he ever be expected to be. Much like Matt Moulson however, he's a very gritty player and while he doesn't have the hands and hockey sense of Moulson, he has the ability to get the puck into the net 20+ times a season, and that's what matters most. We shouldn't expect more than a 40-45 point season out of him, but we should be able to expect some offense out of him and even more so, to come to the defense of his teammates. He's a physical forward, and he needs to maintain that name to keep Connecticut as his home.

Projections: GP 70 - 23 G - 14 A - 37 P

Thoughts: 

AT: For anyone that has been following the Sound Tigers for years, they know the name Tim Wallace very well. A few years back while on WBS in a playoff series with Bridgeport, Wallace used some cheap shots to injure a few players. However, a poll on another blog shortly after the signing seemed to say that most Sound Tigers fans were willing to forgive and forget in order to help the team move forward. With such a wonderful core this year in Bridgeport, it's the right thing to do. We welcome Tim Wallace with open arms, and more importantly, his goals.

CH: Wallace is a gritty, character player, who has played in a limited role for the Penguins over the past few seasons. He will fit in well with a Sound Tigers team that could use a little jam in the top-9. Most importantly, he can score at the AHL level, which is something the Sound Tigers needed. Combine his physicality and scoring ability, and you have a very productive AHL player. From talking to Penguin fans who follow the WB/S Penguins, Sound Tigers fans (and Isles fans) should be in for a treat with Wallace.

Season Preview: Mikko Koskinen

Mikko Koskinen

Height: 6'7"
Weight: 192 lbs
Birthdate: July 18, 1988 (23 years old)
Birthplace: Vantaa, Finland
Acquired: Draft, Round 2, 31st overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers/New York Islanders (call up)
2010-2011 Stats (BPT): 36 GP - 12-21-1 - 3.49 GAA - .892 SV% - 0 SO
2010-2011 Stats (NYI): 4 GP - 2-1-0 - 4.33 GAA - .873 SV% - 0 SO
2010-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Third String Goaltender

Last year: Koskinen had a whirlwind year last season after missing much of the 2009-10 campaign with a severe labrum injury. After having a poor start to the season with the Sound Tigers, Koskinen was called up to the NHL as the Islanders were hit with major injuries at the goaltending position. Koskinen notched his first to victories, a shootout win against the Montreal Canadiens and the Friday night massacre against the Pittsburgh Penguins, before being sent down when Rick DiPietro and Nathan Lawson returned from injury. He finished the season somewhat strong for the Sound Tigers, but barring a great training camp will fall to #3 on the depth chart behind Kevin Poulin and Anders Nilsson.

Expectations: It's really hard to expect anything from Koskinen, as the goaltending situation at the professional level is so uncertain that he could end up anywhere from being loaned to another AHL team to playing about half the games at Bridgeport. Koskinen is entering the last year of his ELC, and with the scarcity of spots at the goaltending position, he will have to prove that he is worthy of a qualifying offer, especially with Poulin and Nilsson seemingly ahead of him right now. This is the first summer Koskinen has gotten a full summer of healthy training as a professional, so it's important that he comes out strong. There's no question that he has talent, but it is very raw and losing a year of development time could prove to be a problem. Let's hope that he has a turnaround season and shows that the Isles have four valuable commodities in the net.

Projections: GP 31 - 11-15-5 - 2.89 GAA - .894 SV%

Thoughts:

CH: As we said earlier, it's so hard to project what Koskinen will be able to do this year. Who knows if he would accept an assignment to the ECHL if everyone comes out of camp completely healthy. My guess is that he wouldn't. So the Isles would be stuck with a three-goaltender rotation at the AHL and NHL levels. That's an unhealthy situation for everyone, especially with three developing goaltenders at Bridgeport. The Islanders are going to have to find somewhere for Koskinen to play, even if it means shipping him off for the season to another AHL team. Of course, that is nowhere near ideal, but the Isles need to find out what they have in Koskinen sooner rather than later. Hopefully, they find a way to configure a rotation at the AHL level where all three goalies can play 25+ games each, but quite frankly that isn't even enough. The goaltending depth will be one of the prime stories at training camp, and it will be very interesting to see it unfold.

AT: I have a feeling Koskinen gets traded in a package deal at some point, perhaps for the fabled top 4 d-man we're all awaiting. While he had a very up and down year last year the potential we saw in the NHL and his supreme stats at the end of last season showed he is and will be a great goalie in the NHL some day. But with Kevin Poulin who already showed he can play at the NHL level and is very capable of doing so and Anders Nilsson who put up outstanding stats in the SEL against players much older than him, it's hard to see Koskinen winning a top 2 slot in Bridgeport. Yet, is the ECHL right for him? Playing is better than not playing, sure, but the ECHL also won't teach him much. Kalamazoo and Bridgeport are two completely different teams in completely different leagues. Like Carey said, it's going to be extremely interesting to see how Garth handles this situation, and what he plans to do if he insists on keeping all 3 goalies. 

Season Preview: Mark Katic

Bloggers note: Apologies for the lack of updates the past day or so. Just got a new job and corporate's coming to see us in a day so we've been preparing like crazy to get the store ready. - Alex

Mark Katic

Height: 5'10"
Weight: 181 lbs
Birthdate: May 9th, 1989 (22 years old)
Birthplace: Porcupine, ON, Canada
Acquired: Draft, Round 3, 62nd overall, 2007 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers/New York Islanders (call up)
2010-2011 Stats (BPT): 63 GP - 4 G - 26 A - 37 PIM
2010-2011 Stats (NYI): 11 GP - 0 G - 1 A - 4 PIM
2010-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Bottom pairing defenseman

Last year: Katic played the Jack Hillen-esque role of a small, quick, puck rushing d-man who can create opportunities up the ice for forwards. Playing with such a depleted forward corps with Bridgeport it was difficult to find respectable numbers, but with a revitalized team he should find his numbers increased very soon. Katic's stats were very respectable and he's got quickness that should keep him around for quite a bit longer. His help on the powerplay for the Sound Tigers was great, and his vision really helped create some golden opportunities for the team.

Expectations: Katic probably won't see much if any time in the NHL this season, but he's most likely going to be slotted down to the bottom pairing defensive line with the additions of Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan and most likely Calvin De Haan as well. Not that there's anything wrong with this, as Katic is a very capable defenseman who has outstanding vision and will help to create a very equalized defensive rotation for Bridgeport. He will also serve as a PP specialist along with Calvin De Haan and Aaron Ness, so that should create an equalization and a tougher time for opposing teams to defend as well.

Projections: GP 79 - 7 G - 29 A - 36 P

Thoughts:

AT: Katic was an outstanding pick for the time, and although it doesn't seem as if he'll ever crack the NHL lineup full time, he's a great depth player to have for the time being. With the loss of Jack Hillen, having a player like Katic in the system at our disposal is pretty much necessary. With his speed and vision, Katic provides a great fill in, and could even become our permanent 7th d-man for use in specific situations, just like Hillen was. He's on the much smaller side but doesn't have the defensive capabilities Aaron Ness does, so I'm not sure if he'd ever be used regularly on defense. However, role players are role players are... role players, so he has his usage.

CH: Entering the last year of his ELC, Katic will begin the year as at least the tenth defenseman on the Isles depth chart. He is going to play a role for Bridgeport this year, but his playing time will be determined based on how he performs compares to other undersized defensemen like Aaron Ness. As far as the Islanders are concerned, Katic will most likely be one of the first few call-ups if injuries hit after a somewhat solid debut last season, but the Islanders need to avoid using Katic as a long-term option. He is simply not ready for that type of role yet. All in all, Katic just needs to have a solid year for the Sound Tigers, as he is one of the older members of the D-core. If he does, he will help stabilize the defense, which is something the Sound Tigers need.

Training Camp: Jay Pandolfo Accepts Tryout Invitation

The Islanders announced today that former Devils F Jay Pandolfo has accepted an invitation to tryout at Islanders training camp in two weeks. Pandolfo, 36, played with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL last season, scoring 2 goals and 4 assists in 12 games. 

In his 13 year career with the New Jersey Devils, Pandolfo accumulated 99 goals and 124 assists in 819 games.

CH: Katie Strang reported last week the Islanders had interest in Pandolfo, among others, so it should come as no surprise that he ended up accepting. Pandolfo is a fourth line center and is very solid defensively. If he is willing to accept a role in the AHL, he would be a great call-up for depth purposes - possibly the most experienced and accomplished as the Isles have had in years. Either way, while there are much more things to worry about, it's good the Islanders offered a respected veteran the chance to make their team. While it most likely won't happen unless a guy like Josh Bailey is traded, it's still worth having the vets in camp to push the younger players. Nothing is guaranteed in this game, and a tryout influx will certainly ruffle the feathers to get everyone motivated before the season.

Season Preview: Jeremy Colliton

Jeremy Colliton

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 201 lbs
Birthdate: January 13, 1985 (Age 26)
Birthplace: Blackie, Alberta, Canada
Acquired: Draft, Round 2, 58th overall, 2003 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers/New York Islanders
2010-2011 Stats (BPT): 53 GP - 18 G - 27 A - 45 P - 57 PIM
2010-2011 Stats (NYI): 15 GP - 2 G - 1 A - 3 P - 10 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Second Line Center

Last year: Colliton originally left the Islanders after the 2008-09 season to go play for Rogle in the Swedish Elite League. However, a call back from Garth Snow last season brought Colliton back into the organization in an AHL capacity. Soon after, injuries decimated the Islanders at the NHL level and brought Colliton back to the NHL. Playing on a line primarily with Rhett Rakhshani in the AHL, Colliton put up a very solid 45 points in 53 games. At the NHL level, Colliton joined up mostly with Blake Comeau and Josh Bailey and put in a 2 goal game against the Colorado Avalanche soon after his call-up. A defensively responsible center, Colliton is not asked to light the lamp often, but can play in all zones and was a big help for the Sound Tigers and a good call-up for the Islanders.

Expectations: After the season, Colliton was rewarded for his good play and leadership (he wore an "A" in Bridgeport), and signed another one year, two-way deal from the Islanders. The Islanders have a lot of depth at forward this year, so unless the injury bug hits hard again it's unlikely we will see Colliton at the NHL level this season. But at the very least, he is in the running to be the captain at Bridgeport. At age 26, he is a veteran at the AHL level and will help young rookies like Casey Cizikas and Tyler McNeely settle in. It's no question that Colliton will be counted on as a leader for the Sound Tigers, the only thing that is left to wonder is if he can replicate the point production he gave last year.

Projections: 71 GP - 21 G - 29 A - 50 P

Thoughts:

CH: The Sound Tigers need Colliton to have a similar season he did last year, and there's no reason to think he won't given that he is just entering his prime. Colliton's defensive game has always been his driver, and to see his offensive game rounding out at the AHL level as he enters his prime is a nice surprise. Even if he never becomes a true NHL regular, he will always have a role in an NHL organization if he accepts assignment to the AHL. With Colliton, David Ullstrom, Casey Cizikas, and Trevor Frischmon - along with Tomas Marcinko and Tony Romano, the Islanders are set at center at the AHL level. While there are no true AHL superstars in that bunch, they are a solid crew that errs on the side of defense, which plays right into the strength of the team: goaltending. A lot of these players have the opportunity to learn from Colliton, which will only help down the road. As we said above, he is in the running for the captaincy at Bridgeport, and would make a fine choice.

AT: Colliton has always been a huge part of the Bridgeport team and even proved to be a decent NHL callup, having a multigoal game in his first game up with the Isles last season. He, along with Frischmon and Backman, is one of the oldest players on the team, but he is one who has been with the team the longest and knows the system like the back of his glove. He will be taking on a leadership role with the team and will guide the newcomers into Brent Thompson's new style of play as compared to Jack Capuano's. If you're looking for a captain for Bridgeport, I don't think you need to look any further than Colliton.

Season Preview: Aaron Ness

Aaron Ness
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 174 lbs
Birthdate: May 18th, 1990 (Age 21)
Birthplace: Roseau, Minnesota, United States
Acquired: Draft, Round 2, 40th overall, 2008 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: University of Minnesota Golden Gophers/Bridgeport Sound Tigers
2010-2011 Stats (UM): 35 GP - 2 G - 12 A - 41 PIM
2010-2011 Stats (BPT): 13 GP - 1 G - 3 A
2011-2012 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Team Role: Top 4 D-Man

Last year: After spending his 3rd year at the University of Minnesota, Ness decided to forgo his final year of college play in order to go pro. Another strong season showing off his skills landed him an entry level contract with the Islanders and a 13 game stint with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Ness was a much needed acquisition for the Sound Tigers, who were abysmal for the majority of last season. When Ness came in, he provided a much needed boost if only to save face for the team, and the team went on a nice little run to end the season. Even as a smaller player, Ness was highly touted for his willingness to get physical along the boards with players who are much larger than him. Whether that will work in the NHL is a different story, but clearly Ness has a rather unseen side of him in his defensive play.

Expectations: Ness should be helming the Bridgeport power play this season with Calvin De Haan, assuming both get sent back to Bridgeport and don't make the NHL (highly likely). His hockey sense is absolutely off the charts and his athleticism is on par with the best of the best in his age group. His ability to make clear, concise cross ice passes in order to start a rush will undoubtedly come in handy for forwards such as Tyler McNeely and Casey Cizikas when attempting to set up a play. With his puckhandling and skating skills, he could end up playing top 2 minutes at points with Calvin De Haan or Matt Donovan.

Projections: 75 GP - 5 G - 24 A - 29 P

Thoughts:

AT: Ness is easily one of my favorite prospects in the system, simply for the fact that he's looked at for his size and dismissed by some, regardless of the fact that his skills are off the charts. Seeing him play in the BPT games I saw showed he has the potential to be a top 4 PP QB in the NHL in the future. Small? Sure. Lacking the ability to be smart with the puck both offensively and defensively? Absolutely not. While he still needs to grow into his body some more and gain muscle mass, a 5'10" defenseman in the NHL isn't unheard of, and even more so one that can handle the puck as well as Ness does. If he has a strong season in Bridgeport this coming year, expect him to see some time in the NHL as a callup for the 2012-2013 season. As for right now, he needs to focus on refining his abilities and his body. The time shall come when he sees his time in the pros, and as long as he stays on track he needn't worry about that.

CH: Like Alex, I'm very interested to see how Ness adapts to a full season at the professional level. Smaller defensemen generally have a tougher road to the NHL, so Ness' adjustment certainly won't come easy. While he did have somewhat of an underwhelming collegiate career, it is possible he adapts better to the pro game. As a whole, Minnesota is struggling as a program right now, which could be a factor in Ness' slow development. In fact, the Isles pulled Kyle Okposo from Minnesota early because they weren't happy with his development. And we all know how that turned out. On a young D like the Sound Tigers have, Ness may be forced to play a more crucial role than he is ready for, especially on the powerplay. But overall, this will be a good development year for Ness as the Islanders try to figure out exactly what they have.