NHL Awards: Doug Weight wins King Clancy trophy, Michael Grabner falls short of Calder

At the 2011 NHL Awards hosted by Jay Mohr, the Islanders and their fans were greeted with a fantastic surprise: Doug Weight was awarded the King Clancy trophy for his contributions both on and off the ice to the community.

AT: This was a fantastic surprise that sent goosebumps running down my arms. With everything we know about how Doug has helped the team both when healthy and injured on the bench helping Capuano as well as his contributions on Long Island, we all know this was a very well deserved award. The trophy, presented by the US Army and brought out by a platoon of about 20 soldiers most likely coming from Nellis Air Force Base, some of whom rappelled down from the rafters, was given to Doug in such an awesome way. Good for the NHL for organizing that. As for Doug's acceptance speech, what more can you ask for from this guy? He talked up Long Island pretty much the entire speech, spoke of it as an amazing place to live (which was much needed after Jay Mohr's crack at the Isles attendance in his monologue), was extremely grateful for Wang and Snow's hospitality and graciousness through his time so far with the Islanders and generally put the Islanders in an extremely positive light. I still can't stop smiling.

CH: What a great surprise this was. You pretty much touched on it all. Weight didn't have to do anything as far as selling the team, but he did. That's just classic Weight though - humble as ever. The moment with the troops was fantastic as well. Some may find it tacky and cheesy, but why be cynical about this? It meant a lot to Doug, and was a cool moment to watch unfold. Great job all around. Congrats to Doug, well deserved!

New York Islanders

AT: Michael Grabner unfortunately lost the Calder to Jeff Skinner, something almost everyone expected. Just the fact that he got the nomination was fantastic for him and let's hope he's a nominee for the Hart trophy one day. Well deserved for Skinner who was the youngest of the three candidates and absolutely exploded offensively. Can't wait to see what he does for this Carolina team in the future.

CH: Islander fans seem to be very disappointed by this, but realistically Skinner was the right and obvious choice here. The age argument shouldn't matter, but it does. Plus, he led all rookies in points as well. Have to give him credit where it's due - congratulations to Skinner on a great achievement. But a lot to take from this from Grabner's perspective. He scored 34 goals last season and got rewarded with a trip to Las Vegas. Definitely a season to build on for Michael.

New York Islanders

AT: As for the other awards, congratulations to Dan Bylsma on winning the Jack Adams award, Ryan Kesler on winning the Selke, Lidstrom on winning the Norris (at 41!), and the rest of the winners tonight. All nominations have been well deserved and all winners even more so.

Arena: Wang and Mangano Reveal Nassau Coliseum Plan

Today at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Islanders owner Charles Wang and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano released the financial data of the plan that would build the New York Islanders and Nassau County a new arena. The press release can be found on the Islanders official website, and more details can be found on Newsday.

CH: So much to discuss here. First off, they FINALLY released this information, and it was worth the wait. This plan is much better than I expected - to outline, the Islanders will pay Nassau County a guaranteed $14 million per year ($420 million over the life of the contract), along with 11.5% of all revenues from all events at the new arena. That includes everything from pretzels, tickets, beer etc. It's now projected, if the new arena does not make a dime, that each household will see an increase in property tax of less than $20 per year. However, the projections state the new arena will make over $1.2 billion in revenues, which should pay off the entire thing. This is an absolute sweetheart deal for Nassau County. There's just no other way to put it. I'm certainly a little more optimistic than I was going into today, but we'll see what previous detractors have to say about it tomorrow.

AT: Awesome job by Wang and Mangano today. I was surprised honestly, but my faith has been restored in Mr. Wang and Mr. Mangano. By allowing the County 11.5% of the revenues which will cover the tax expenses and more, this plan really should not be hated by anybody. This is the perfect situation for everyone. Well done, Wang-ano.

CH: As we knew before, the Islanders will be staying on Long Island until at least 2045 under this agreement. There will be 3,000 permanent jobs and over 1,000 temporary construction jobs created. It was also confirmed today that the demolition of the current Nassau Coliseum will be included in the $350 million bond. Charles Wang has also agreed to pay any overruns over the $350 million number, so there will be no further burden on the taxpayer whatsoever. Those are two huge answers to very legitimate questions proposed by some members of the Legislature.

AT: And if the Isles leave, it's the taxpayers who will be paying for the demolition. Just something to keep in mind. Good for Wang to ensure the voters that anything over what is promised in the $350m will be paid for by him. I really hope we see a true, state of the art arena.

CH: The one thing we didn't hear about is a comparison report on what would happen if the Islanders left, which is something I would still like to say. However, with the increase in property tax essentially negligible, it may not even matter that much. Still, it's something that would be nice to see. That said, the appeasement of ABLI and the Town of Hempstead yesterday means there are already powerful people on board. The only other negative I could see from this plan is that the payback period won't start until three years after borrowing. That means that there will be a little bit more of a tax increase in that time, but in the long-term it becomes moot. Like Wang said at the end of the press conference, this is about future generations of Long Island - not just today's.

AT: Absolutely. Long term for the Island is the most important thing here. Yes, taxes will go up a very minor amount in the short term, but all of that will come back - and more! 11.5% over 30 years, especially with a team that has a returning fanbase and a rising team, is nothing but good news for Nassau residents.

CH: From here, the campaign officially begins from the Islanders/Nassau County standpoint. The Islanders will have voter registration at their draft party on Friday. Nassau County is going to hold public meetings on the benefits of this plan as soon as next week and through the month of July. The Islanders are also going to be creating a website with all pertinent information about the Coliseum plan. These are all great marketing techniques. But now it's up to us. This vote is of extreme importance and we must show NIFA and the Legislature that this plan should go through. And that will happen with a landslide victory on August 1.

AT: The voter registration at the draft party is huge. Last thing we need is younger fans going to the booth to find out they haven't registered. Get everyone who can vote and is willing to vote yes out there, spread fliers, post signs, scream it on the highway at passing cars. Okay, maybe not that last part. But I really hope the Islanders have a damn good PR firm ready for this. They'll need it to ensure their future. 

Draft: Countdown #3 - Jonathan Huberdeau

3. Jonathan Huberdeau

Position: Center/Left Wing
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 172 lbs
Shoots: Left
DOB: June 4, 1993
Nationality: Canadian
2010-2011 Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
League: QMJHL
Stats: 67 GP - 43 G - 62 A - 105 P - 88 PIM
Playoffs: 19 GP - 16 G - 14 A - 30 P - 16 PIM
MemCup - 4 GP - 3 G - 3 A - 6 P - 4 PIM

CH: Huberdeau is a very intriguing prospect. He has considerably risen from the start of the year and settled in at #3. This is a player that pretty much has it - he was so clutch for the Sea Dogs all year, as they went on their way to win the Memorial Cup. He has a ton of skill, both with his shot, his vision, and his creativity. He has outstanding hockey sense as well. He is a little slow, but much like John Tavares, he will have plenty of time to work on it. Huberdeau is raw, in the sense that there is no way he will be ready for the NHL next year. He always weighs approximately 175 pounds, which is just not big enough yet. Another year in the Q dominating his competition, while getting a bit bigger and stronger will do him wonders. While he probably will not end up a true first liner, he will settle in on any contender's second line and will certainly have an impact in the NHL.

As far as the Islanders are concerned, they can hope and pray he falls to #5, but I don't see it happening. If he does end up falling that far, they will have to evaluate the situation but he should be the pick at that point. Like most of the other guys we've talked about lately, Huberdeau was brought onto Long Island last week for a visit with the team. He is on the Islanders radar, but I'm not so sure he will make it past the Florida Panthers at #3.

AT: Huberdeau's rise has been absolutely ridiculous. Once projected being a mid-late first rounder, Huberdeau now seems to be a lock for anywhere between the 2 and 4 slots. He is one of the most creative, intelligent playmakers in the draft next to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and a shot that will make you cry as a goaltender. He only did two bench presses at the combine which is pretty weak, but at the same time it also impressed scouts. If he is as strong and efficient as he is now, imagine what he'll be like when he fills out? Huberdeau will be a perennial NHL star, possibly on a team's first line. He also showed clutch performance when he was really needed and led his team to the Memorial Cup.

There's no way he falls to the Islanders. His stock is just too hot right now to fall to 5, so unless the Isles trade up, it won't happen. Would love to see him as our second line center, but Couturier or Strome will most likely be available when the Isles draft if the Isles go for the center route.

Most likely to be drafted: 2-4

Arena: Wang and Mangano to Announce Arena Plans Tomorrow

According to Newsday, Charles Wang and Ed Mangano are set to announce the lease agreement and other financial estimations regarding the redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum tomorrow. The following is the press release, as posted by B.D. Gallof on Twitter:

"Uniondale, NY, June 21, 2011 Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano will be joined by New York Islanders Owner Charles Wang at a press conference, Wednesday, June 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Together, Mangano and Wang will announce that they have reached an agreement that takes an important step forward, creating a new world-class sports-entertainment destination in Nassau County, including the retention of the NY Islanders - Long Islands only major professional sports team. An independent economist and lease negotiators will be on hand to address details of an economic analysis and lease related to the new arena."

CH: Well, here we are...finally. I have to admit I'm pretty nervous about this, mostly because I'm worried about how Wang and Mangano are going to conduct themselves when the tough questions are asked. But we have to stay positive here and hope that the numbers will add up. If they do, most of the detractors should be quiet. Yes, we may have to deal with more political posturing, but if the plan works it won't matter. This is a huge day for the New York Islanders. Without more details, it's hard to make any comments on this other than the fact that this is a huge day. It took them long enough but it's here, so just like with the Lighthouse, we have to forget the past and only focus on what is ahead of us.

AT: I remain an optimist in hoping that Wang and Mangano have used the past couple of weeks to prepare for this and to ready themselves for the difficult questions on rising taxes, and to hammer home the cost difference of a new arena versus the Islanders leaving Long Island. This is their time... don't screw it up.

In other news today, Newsday is reporting the Town of Hempstead approved a more flexible zoning plan which will allow for "residential, retail, entertainment, parking, office, hotel, restaurant or a new or refurbished Coliseum." While it's said this rezoning has nothing to do with the Wang/Mangano plan to build a new Coliseum, it does give more freedom for development once the arena is built.

CH: This is all fine and good. Like we touched on yesterday, in the short-term, what we will see is just the Coliseum and the parking lot. But this rezoning allows for long-term development on the site, so we won't have to deal with the problems the Lighthouse problems dealt with. While this doesn't affect the area in the short-term, the long-term outlook of the site is brighter.

AT: Definitely. The arena right now is pretty bland with not much surrounding it. Let's get the arena done first and then worry about making it all pretty afterwards.
 

Speculation: Martinek Won't Be Back Next Season

New York Islanders

According to Chris Botta at Islanders Point Blank, the Islanders will most likely not bring defenseman Radek Martienk back to Long Island next season. Martinek has been an Islander his entire career, since 2001-02 and has played 453 games for the team. Botta implies that Snow may be looking for an upgrade on the defensive corps in free agency, which begins July 1.

CH: To me, this is the most prudent move by Snow and the Islanders. There is no question Martinek was a very good Islander - he played here for a long time at a high level. But he is getting up there in age, and he's always had questions about his durability. The Islanders already have 6 defensemen under contract for next season: Mark Streit, Mark Eaton, Milan Jurcina, Andrew MacDonald, Travis Hamonic, and Mike Mottau. They also have three restricted free agents in Ty Wishart (will be back), Jack Hillen (debatable), and Bruno Gervais (extremely unlikely), not to mention prospects such as Calvin de Haan and Matt Donovan, who are just a little Bridgeport seasoning away from potentially making an NHL impact.

The Islanders, without question, need to upgrade their defense. The team finished 27th in goals against last season, which is not good enough. With Martinek as a free agent, he is the easiest to let go, as he is a fringe top-4 guy, but more likely a 3rd pairing guy on good teams. So while guys like de Haan and Donovan develop, the team needs to bring in a top-4 guy like Eric Brewer (reportedly close to an extension with Tampa Bay), who will be here for the next few years as the team transitions from lottery team to playoff contender. Martinek does not fit that profile. That said, keeping the door open is also smart. If the Islanders happen to strike out in free agency on the back end, bringing in Martinek for one more year will make sense. Either way, the team cannot go into next season with the same D-corps as this season. Martinek will land on his feet either in the NHL or in Europe, and I wish him the absolute best.

AT: While Martinek was, quite amazingly, the most healthy D-man last year, it's time for the Isles to move on. He's a solid D-man but the Isles NEED to get better, and with the possibility of a top 4 d-man coming in and a bottom pairing of Eaton and Jurcina with Hillen and Mottau as the 7 and 8, there's just very little room for Martinek. I see Garth going hard for someone like Scott Hannan if he fails to draft Hamilton with the 5th pick. Martinek was a great guy and nothing but nice and I wish him the best, but it's time for the Isles to push this rebuild into 2nd gear.

Draft: Countdown #4 - Sean Couturier

TSN.ca

4. Sean Couturier

Position: Center
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 198 lbs
Shoots: L
DOB: December 7th, 1992
Nationality: American/Canadian (born in USA, plays for Canadian national team)
2010-2011 Team: Drummondville Voltigeurs
League: QMJHL
Stats: 58 GP - 36 G - 60 A - 96 P - 36 PIM
Playoffs: 10 GP - 6 G - 5 A - 11 P - 14 PIM
WJC 20 - 7 GP - 2 G - 1 A - 3 P - 0 PIM

AT: Couturier would be an equally fantastic choice for me along with Dougie Hamilton. A very strong, two way center with incredible puck handling skills, Couturier would be a fantastic addition to the top 6 of any team. Couturier is also renowned for his supreme hockey sense, which originally had him pegged as the first overall pick up until Ryan Nugent-Hopkins meteoric rise to the top. Couturier's game has been nitpicked to death and it has led to his stock dropping in some mock drafts to as low at 7 or 8. While his skating definitely needs to improve, at 5 I find a player like him, even with his skating flaws, to be a fantastic selection. His playmaking ability is supreme and as he grows into his body, his ability to really control his way past the neutral zone and set up plays will continue to increase.

I would have no problem with the Islanders taking Couturier at 5. In fact, I'd be ecstatic. He would be a fantastic addition to the second line and create a vicious 1-2 punch down the center in the top 6. If his playmaking abilities continue to increase in capability, I can see him turning Grabner into a 50 goal scorer, if not higher. I love Frans Nielsen, but he should be the third line center, not the second line center. The thought of a line of Grabner-Couturier-Niederreiter/Okposo gives me chills. As for his skating on an already generally slow Islanders team, I remember a certain player's skating that was so nitpicked some almost asked Garth to draft another player. That player's name is John Tavares, who has made huge strides in his skating ability. Couturier will do the same.

CH: If the Islanders decide they want to go with a forward and guys like Nugent-Hopkins, Huberdeau, and Landeskog are gone, Couturier is the guy. While he is not a great skater yet, it can be developed like Alex touched on. Everyone talks about the fact that Couturier fell, but to me it's a non-issue. Plenty of reports have come out that Couturier's play did not drop and he did not have a bad attitude. He is the only draft eligible player to have played for Team Canada at the World Juniors this past year at all. I love the idea of adding this guy to the top-9, in between Tavares and Nielsen. In the past he's been compared to somewhat of a hybrid between Eric and Jordan Staal. Tell me someone who wouldn't sign up for that.

When push comes to shove, I don't see the Islanders taking him if he's even around at 5. We've touched on the fact the Islanders like to take players who have risen up the charts, not fallen - even if there is no rhyme or reason for why he did. Maybe they make an exception for Couturier - I would love for them to do that. If they do take him, it would be an absolute coup and is a possible choice to go down as the steal of the top 10 (along with Ryan Murphy - if we're talking potential).

Most likely to be drafted: 3-8

Arena: Wang Will Have Control of Land

Zimbio

According to Randi Marshall at Newsday, Charles Wang will have control of the 77-acre land that surrounds and includes the Nassau Coliseum. As per the referendum, the new arena and ballpark will be built first with a standard parking lot. From there, future mixed-use is still a possibility, subject to a new RFP process. In return for control, Wang will share revenue with the County, though it's unknown exactly how much at this time. 

CH: There's a bunch of different parts to this. First, I've read people are nervous that no development will ever come of this. I can't deny that possibility, but subjecting the land to a new RFP process appeases the Association for Better Long Island and Kate Murray and her Town of Hempstead cronies. It means the Coliseum and ballpark will be built first, and development can spur up afterwards, which would be fine. The Lighthouse (Lite) was never going to be built by 2015. We were told the referendum would include funding to build an arena and ballpark, and nothing else. That's exactly what we're getting. From there, it's up to Charles Wang, who we know wants to develop the area.

The surface parking makes sense because it will give Nassau County a bigger profit margin in the short-term. In the article, it says it will cost $25,000 per space with a parking garage - adding up to $175 million. In a time like this, that's not feasible or smart. In the long-term, it's obvious a garage must be built there. But only have more development gets built, otherwise you're wasting a ton of money. With the rumor the team is going to charge $20 for parking at hockey games down the road (they already have been for other events), the profit margin will be way higher.

There is no doubt that Mangano and Wang have not done the best job with this plan. We still have no idea what the numbers are going to say, and that will be the dealbreaker or the thing that puts this through. That needs to come out now, especially as we near the end of June. All we know is that Wang will control the land and there will be no original development with the Coliseum and ballpark. And that's okay, but that can't be the long-term plan. It's clear they want to get the arena done first for two reasons: 1) It's the most urgent. The Islanders lease is up in 4 years, and the team needs a building. So construction needs to start now. 2) It's also the most biggest and most important part of the plan. You always build the biggest thing first. And development will come from a new arena, but it won't come from a broken down Coliseum or an empty piece of land. They are right in how the plan needs to be done, but the devil will be in the details.

AT: To be honest, all that really matters to me right now is the arena. No, they haven't done a very good job with everything else and we don't even know what the new Coliseum will look like, but right now the new Coliseum is my (and everyone else's) main concern. Everything else can be worked out at a later date. A parking garage will absolutely be necessary especially as the Islanders rise up through the ranks, but right now we need to stay focused on what's most important. If the new arena isn't passed on August 1st, the Islanders are gone, so everything else kind of takes a back seat to the arena at this point. I'd love for Wang to develop the arena - I thought the concept designs for the Lighthouse at LI were beautiful and ambitious. It will happen in time. Let's get the arena done right now and focus on everything else after.

As a side note: Randi Marshall tweeted this morning there will be a vote on a less dense zone for the Coliseum. She called the process "straightforward" when I asked her if there was anything else. So this should pass fairly easily, I'm assuming. We'll update that later.

Around The NHL: Ryan Smyth, Craig Ramsay, Salary Cap

According to TSN, former Islander Ryan Smyth has informed the Los Angeles Kings he'd like to be traded back to the Edmonton Oilers. Smyth, 35, has one more year on his contract, in which he'll earn $4.5 million but will cost $6.25 million on the cap. Smyth scored 23 goals and assisted on 24 others last year in a full 82 game season.

Smyth played 18 games for the Islanders in 2006-07 and scored 5 goals and had 15 points.

CH: Okay, I have to say this confuses me for a bunch of reasons. First, Smyth pretty much had to be traded in 2007 because he wouldn't budge on $100,000 per year for an extension. Then the guy cries when he is traded to the Islanders. Then he signs with Colorado, before getting traded to Los Angeles. He finally finds himself on a team that is primed to make the playoffs every year, and all of a sudden he wants to go back to Edmonton. This whole situation is bizarre.

Don't get me wrong, and I don't mean to rehash old memories, but I would make the trade for him every time. Even at 35, he is a very useful player. When the Islanders had him at 31, he was fantastic and was a huge difference maker after Rick DiPietro went down. Looking at the now, does it even make sense for Edmonton to take on that kind of contract? They've finished 30th two years in a row, so do they want to hand a 3rd line spot to a declining Ryan Smyth or let a young guy take the reigns? Especially for a $6.25 million cap hit. Unless the Kings end up buying Smyth out and he signs in Edmonton on the cheap, I don't see this happening. But this report was certainly unexpected.

AT: This kind of reinforces my opinion that Smyth leaving was better for the team. For him to turn this way on LA is absolutely pathetic on his part. Yes, he helped us out when Snow traded for him, but if he was going to act like this a year or two into his contract wanting to go back to Edmonton, I'm happier with what we have here. That's all I can really say about this.

The Winnipeg(s) have informed former Atlanta Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay and former Edmonton Oilers coach Craig MacTavish that they will not be hired for the vacant head coaching position. The two finalists for the job are Chicago Blackhawks assistant Mike Haviland and former Blue Jackets Head Coach Claude Noel. 

CH: Well it's clear now that Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg(s) are going in a new direction. Ramsay did a good job working with the young kids in Atlanta last year, but with a relocated franchise, it's understandable that Cheveldayoff wanted to bring in his own guy. Mike Haviland has been a guy rumored to be ready for a head coaching position for a while, so it wouldn't surprise me for Cheveldayoff to go with him. That said, I think the better choice is Noel, whose little NHL experience could be important for a young team. He also coached the Manitoba Moose last year, so he has a rapport with the area and the fanbase. We'll see what direction they go in.

AT: Haviland seems like the most likely choice. Local guy, fans know of him and his system, works well with the organization, etc. Ramsay's a good coach but I can see why Haviland would be a more likely option.

Chris Johnston is reporting the NHL salary cap for next season will settle in around $64 million. Consequently, the cap floor will be approximately $48 million. 

CH: So now the cap floor for 2011-12 is going to be about $9 million more than the cap ceiling in 2005-06, when the salary cap was first instituted. It really makes you wonder. Now the smaller market teams are going to fall behind again, as big market teams like New York and Toronto have the ability to spend to the ceiling. So while the cap was originally supposed to reel in those teams, here we are 7 years later and the cap ceiling is $25 million more than it was seven years ago. However, the increases are a result of increasing revenues to the NHL, so that is a great thing.

As far as the Islanders are concerned, well, they obviously have a ton of room to play with. The only question is...will they use it?

AT: As much as I hate to see the Rangers getting more room to add on to their already ridiculous contracts, as Carey said this is an indication of increasing revenues with the NHL and that is nothing but good news to me. With the Islanders, I can see a more substantial version of the Wisniewski trade occurring. I have honestly no idea who the Islanders could possibly go for, although Brent Burns was rumored to be available. It is going to be one of the most important offseasons in his GM career for Mr. Snow.

Draft: Countdown #5 - Gabriel Landeskog

Bridget DS

5. Gabriel Landeskog

Position: Left Wing
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 205
Shoots: Left
DOB: November 23, 1992
Nationality: Swedish
2010-2011 Team: Kitchener Rangers
League: OHL
Stats: 53 GP - 36 G - 30 A - 66 P - 61 PIM
Playoffs: 7 GP - 6 G - 4 A - 10 P - 4 PIM
WJC-20: 1 GP - 1 G - 1 A - 2 P - 0 PIM

CH: At this point in the countdown, any Islander fan would have to be satisfied with one of these players' name being called by Garth Snow. Landeskog is a tough, gritty left wing who came over from Sweden for the 2009-10 season to play with Kitchener. After a disappointing first season, he had a dominant playoff run with 23 points in 18 games and carried that over into the 2010-11 season with 66 points in 60 games. He was selected to the World Junior U-20 tournament by Sweden, but only played one game before missing the rest of the tournament due to injury. He has hung around the top-5 pretty much all season, so it should be no surprise he finished #5 on the ISS countdown. Landeskog is said to have outstanding leadership ability on and off the ice. His english is impeccable, which is extremely impressive for a player who has only been in North America for two seasons.

It's possible Landeskog will be around at #5, but not terribly likely. That said, in 2010 the Islanders drafted a similar style player in Nino Niederreiter. I'm not sure this is the route they will choose to go in, but it would be hard to skip on Landeskog if he does fall to 5. In that scenario, I see a trade down to #6 as extremely likely. Ottawa has been rumored to be interested in him, and many reporters have thrown out the idea that they may trade up for him. If he is chosen by the Islanders, having Landeskog, Niederreiter, and a guy like Kyle Okposo in the organization will make for outstanding complements to centers such as John Tavares and Frans Nielsen. Either way, the Islanders cannot go wrong if Landeskog ends up being their guy.

AT: I love what Landeskog brings to the table. Not afraid to stick up for his teammates, incredible leadership skills, goalscoring ability and strength that will only get better. My only question is whether this goalscoring ability will carry over to the NHL. He does seem to translate to a Swedish version of Jarome Iginla, a powerful forward who can still do the things necessary to get the puck in the net. He might not have the pure scoring ability of Steven Stamkos, but he has the desire to get the puck into the net. His ability with English, as Carey mentioned, is also insane for how little he's known it fluently. That to me shows a lot more than what may come off. It shows a very intelligent person who is willing to work hard to achieve things he wants to.

I know you're supposed to go for BPA, but I just see Landeskog being very redundant in the Isles organization. They already have a Okposo and Niederreiter as mentioned as well as Blake Comeau who throws hits left and right along with his improving goal scoring ability. I just don't see a reason the Isles would go for Landeskog at this point, but anything can happen.

Most likely to be drafted: 2-6

Former Islanders: Scott Gordon Named Assistant Coach in Toronto

According to Brian Compton, former Islander coach Scott Gordon has been hired as an assistant coach in Toronto.

AT: Didn't really see him getting a head coaching job anywhere due to his lack of success with the Islanders. Was never a fan of his coaching style and welcomed his departure, but he's a really nice guy and I hope for nothing but the best for Scott. He worked with Brian Burke and Ron Wilson in the 2010 Olympics so obviously the connection was there and they trust him to work well with this growing Toronto team. In addition, the Maple Leafs hired Greg Cronin, the now former head coach at Northeastern University and former coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Overall, two great adds at assistant coach for Toronto. Should prove to be a solid mix up in coaching.

CH: I always liked Scott Gordon, and have to admit I was very frustrated when he was fired. However, clearly I was wrong as it turned out to be exactly the relief the Islanders needed going forward. I still believe that Gordon taught the Islander players a ton during his 2+ years here. Those lessons have already been used going forward under the tutelage of Jack Capuano.

Looking forward, this is a great opportunity for Gordon. He did a great job as an assistant during the 2010 Winter Olympics for Team USA. He knows Brian Burke and the Toronto staff through his involvement in other international tournaments including the World Championships, in which he coached Team USA in 2010 and 2011. I think Gordon was a little over his head during his first job with the Islanders. This will be a good step for him back into the NHL coaching world. There's already talk about Gordon being the replacement for Ron Wilson. Time will tell about that. What we do know is with Gordon and Greg Cronin, the Leafs have set themselves up very nicely on the bench.