New York Islanders Devon Toews Next Year and Beyond

When the New York Islanders drafted Devon Toews in the fourth round of the 2014 Draft it happened without a lot of fanfare. That pick by the Isles organization is looking like a very shrewd selection. The Islanders could have something special in Toews, next year and beyond.

The New York Islanders might have struck gold when they drafted Devon Toews. The kid who played three years of college hockey at Quinnipiac has his hockey arrow pointing up.

Scouting Report

Toews has good size (six-foot-one, 180 pounds) and he plays a solid two-way game. The British Columbia kid’s game is one that includes mobility, offensive instincts, passing ability and strong skating skills.

All these characteristics are tremendous but throw in the fact that Toews is also praised for his character, and the Isles have one heck of a package.

New York Islanders

The Blue Line

Toews will enter training camp with the odds stacked against him to make the opening night roster. That is because the blue and orange are stacked with blue liners.

Even with the trade of Travis Hamonic the Isles still have five proven NHL defenseman in Nick Leddy, Johnny Boychuk, Calvin de Haan, Thomas Hickey, and Dennis Seidenberg.

The Hamonic trade appears to have opened up a spot for Ryan Pulock. However, don’t forget about Adam Pelech. Keep in mind, Garth Snow, protected Pelech in the expansion draft so he obviously thinks highly of him.

That gives the Isles seven defenseman and that doesn’t include Scott Mayfield.

These youngsters will get playing time next season, as there are always injuries. Remember both Hickey and Seidenberg are unrestricted free agents after next season.

It’s an impressive group and there is another wave of kids behind them including Parker Wotherspoon, Mitch Vande Sompel, and 2017 second-round selection Robin Salo.

Next Season

Due to their depth, the Isles are in a position situation where they don’t have to rush their young defenseman before they’re ready. Toews played a full season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last year, putting up 45 points in 76 games.

He improved progressively each month of the season last year. When the Isles traded Hamonic at 2017 draft it sent a clear message of what the organization thinks of their young defensive group.

It’s not impossible that Toews could make the opening night roster. He would have to bank on a huge training camp for that to be a consideration though.

Next: Isles Shouldn't Give Up on Dal Colle

Odds are Toews will start next season in Bridgeport. Although, don’t be surprised to see him in the Isles lineup before New Years.