New York Islanders: Isles strike gold with their draft picks, in Lou we trust
The 2018 NHL Draft will be remembered as a huge day for the New York Islanders for years to come. Both of their back-to-back selections were near perfect.
This is the firsr draft under Lou Lamoriello. That alone should give the Islander faithful, well, faith.
However, even though it was likely that the New York Islanders and their organization were going to be happy with anybody Lou selected, the Isles did great on both of their picks.
Th New York Islanders used both of these selections to fill major needs. The Oliver Wahlstrom pick feels more like the best player available pick. The American has filthy stick skills and will be a good scorer.
Pick Analysis. 11. 106. Oliver Wahlstrom. player. Scouting Report. RW. United States
If all goes to plan, the potential of him and Mat Barzal on the same line in a few years will be a blast to watch with how creative they are.
The viral sensation is only 18 years of age and surprisingly fell outside of the top 10. However, the Isles at 11 is not too bad.
He has plenty of experience playing for the USA national team and now has a GM in Lou Lamoriello to help develop his skills.
Canada. player. D. Noah Dobson. 12. 106. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
However, I am more excited about the defenseman, Noah Dobson. It is not that I am higher on his skill set I am just happy to see the Isles address their desperate need for defense.
He has a mean shot and can generate offense. Something that the current core of Islander defenseman lack.
The Isles have plenty pf players in their system who are showing potential. However, this is the first group of guys that will be coming up under the new regime.
I think Dobson, even though 12 is not that far down, has a chance to be a steal of the Draft. Defensive players are flying off the draft board and are growing on trees around the world.
So, the Islanders got their guy 12th overall when he, in my opinion, is one of the top 5 defenseman in the draft.
The best thing is the Islanders kept both of their first round selections. They needed to do that and bolster their team and bring in fresh guys.
Let us not forget this is the first draft for new Head Coach Barry Trotz too. The Islanders made their selections pretty quick after being on the clock. It shows they are confident in these young kids.
Next: Offseason Targets for the Islanders
In Lou we trust. Big day for the New York Islanders franchise. Hopefully John Tavares is around for these guys to come up too.