Friedman: Despite Lack Of Early Picks, Islanders Have Options In NHL Draft

By Daniel Friedman
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The New York Islanders find themselves in a rare situation.

They're coming off a playoff year and don't own a first- or second-round pick, let alone a top-five selection in the NHL Draft, which begins Friday night. Circulating rumors have pertained to which stars the Isles might try and acquire via trade, as opposed to which future stars they might draft. It's a welcome change.

However, this is also one of the deepest drafts in years, so one could argue that being without an early choice isn't exactly ideal.

A lot of the trade talk has revolved around Kyle Okposo. He is probably not getting traded, something that was reiterated by TSN's Darren Dreger on Thursday. I think they'll shop Michael Grabner (and perhaps Josh Bailey as well) around. I think they'll listen to offers and might package someone like Griffin Reinhart in the right deal, but only if it's for a star.

To me, it doesn't make sense to trade Okposo unless you're getting a replacement of equal or lesser value from outside the organization. And by that, I don't mean that Michael Dal Colle will just take his spot when he's ready; I'm talking about someone who can add to the existing depth they currently have and will have down the road.

If there were no viable replacement then, yes, I'd rather pay him $7 million per year than not have him in my lineup. The idea is to keep him in the fold and become a contender, not to have a revolving door of players who've become too expensive and moved out.

I also think he's a damn good linemate for John Tavares, contrary to popular belief. He has only 120 points in his last 130 games and has played quite well on Tavares's wing over the past two years. Not like that should mean something.

People need to let go of this notion that Tavares "needs" a superstar winger. Sidney Crosby's best linemates have been Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis, neither of which are better than Okposo, in my opinion. I hear Crosby's done pretty well for himself.

Moving along, as I said earlier, I do believe it makes sense for the Islanders to explore opportunities to move down into one of the first two rounds of the draft, if a sensible option presents itself.

This is a very deep talent pool, but especially within those first couple of rounds, so not having a pick until No. 82 is a situation you ideally don't want to be in here.

In the event that they can't move down, there are definitely some intriguing names and talents projected to go later on that could be very smart choices for GM Garth Snow and the Islanders.

I wouldn't say there's one particular position the Isles have to address at the draft.

They've done an excellent job building up their system with good prospects in just about every area, so there's plenty of flexibility here to take the best player available – even more so if they're not picking in the first two rounds, because beyond that point, it's generally more of a crapshoot anyway.

Perhaps a mobile defenseman to replace Ville Pokka wouldn't be the worst idea, though, and there are options. I think another center would be nice, too, since their best center prospects have already graduated. That might be worth looking into.

But even if they find a scoring winger they like, or a two-way guy, that's fine. Again, there's a lot of flexibility here. Let's take a look at some potential picks that could make sense when the Islanders are on the clock:

Rasmus Andersson, D

Andersson recorded 64 points as a rookie OHL defenseman. With improved skating, he could be a very good player. He has a heck of a slap shot and makes a good first pass. But that skating really needs work, or else he's going to be a terrible defenseman without the puck. It's just a matter of putting in the time. He's a project.

Kirill Kaprizov, LW

Their track record drafting Kirills isn't great, but Kaprizov is impressive. He played in the KHL and held a roster spot all year long as a 17-year-old – that's impressive. He was Russia's leading scorer at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament – that's impressive. Kaprizov is quick and has soft hands. He was taken first overall in last year's KHL Draft.

Gabriel Gagne, RW

This kid has tons of size and is primarily a goal-scorer. A prototypical net-front presence, he scored 35 goals for Victoriaville (QMJHL) this season. Gagne might be worth a look or, he might be a bust. Given that he'll probably be a mid-round pick at best, there's very little risk involved if you take him.

Kevin Stenlund, C

Produced at a point-per-game pace for MoDo's junior club in Sweden, plus he's got some experience playing against adults in the big leagues as well. Has a solid frame for a center, is a very good puckhandler with excellent hockey IQ. Stenlund has the ability to read and react to the play and make crisp, accurate passes. I think he could be a steal.

Graham Knott, LW

Good anticipation, can skate well, great hands. Scored 25 goals for Niagara (OHL) this season. He's played with Josh Ho-Sang in juniors, too. I really like this kid. I like his nose for the net, I like his deceptive skating, I like just about everything he brings to the table. More consistency would be nice, however.

Hold onto your hats, ladies and gentlemen. The offseason is upon us.

Follow Daniel Friedman on Twitter @DFriedmanOnNYI.