New York Islanders Prospect Michael Dal Colle Worth The Wait

The New York Islanders have a prospect pipeline that is the envy of many NHL organizations. However, by now most Islander fans thought Michael Dal Colle would be a productive player for the blue and orange. While that has not occurred, Islander fans shouldn’t give up on Dal Colle.

In 2014 the New York Islanders had the fifth overall pick in the draft. The way the draft broke that year it was a no-brainer for Garth Snow and the Isles to select Michael Dal Colle with their pick.

Dal Colle’s scouting report heading into the 2014 Draft was full of superlatives. It included skill, size, creativity, puck protection, battler, as well as hard working and intangibles off the charts.

Yours truly was thrilled when Dal Colle was on the board and selected by the Isles with the fifth overall pick.

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Since 2014 Draft

Many have asked why is it taking so long for Dal Colle to make it to the NHL?

Let’s keep in mind Dal Colle just turned 21 at the end of last month. Also, Dal Colle is a big kid (6’3, 198 lbs) and he wouldn’t be the first top prospect with size to take a bit longer to refine his game and make it to the NHL.

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But has Dal Colle development been severely lacking? He had a terrific junior career after being drafted in 2014, including leading the Oshawa Generals to a championship in the 2014-15 season.

While Dal Colle didn’t light up the AHL last season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, his production wasn’t bad either producing 15 goals and 41 points in 75 games.

Granted other Islander prospects have shined brighter and or reached the NHL before Dal Colle causing many to undervalue him. Don’t sleep on Dal Colle.

Moving Forward

No doubt Dal Colle has work to do. He needs to continue to improve his skating as well as adjusting to the speed of the game. He will start next season with Bridgeport.

Don’t forget two of Dal Colle’s biggest attributes is his work ethic and his intangibles. Given this as well as the fact he is only 21, anyone who would give up on Dal Colle would be foolish.

Next: Isles Young Fan Medical Miracle

This day and age so many kids reach the NHL so quickly, that when a top prospect takes a bit longer it’s often asked what’s wrong with that player. Also, that player see’s his prospect ranking drop dramatically.

It’s taking time for Dal Colle to become a part of the Islanders. Good chance he will be worth the wait.