New York Islanders Have No Accountability Developing Players

Exit interviews are a time to reflect on the season and figure out what went wrong. The New York Islanders missed the mark when it came to looking back, and so did the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

During the season wrap up process, the New York Islanders struck a decisive tone: we know it was bad, but hey what can we do? Majority owner John Ledecky did his best “disappointed dad” routine as he forced Garth and Doug to field question from reporters. And that was it.

No accountability was taken on the part of the ownership. And that message was loud and clear for the rest of the organization.

Neither Doug Weight or Garth Snow held themselves accountable for how the season had played out. Even though both had their hands in the mess that was a 35-37-10 season.

That even made it’s way to the Islanders AHL head coach

Brent Thompson

who, during his own exit interviews struck a similar tone when speaking about Josh Ho-Sang and

Michael Dal Colle

Ain’t My Problem

Here’s what Bridgeport Sound Tigers Head Coach had to say about Josh Ho-Sang and Michael Dal Colle to CTPost’s Michael Fornabaio:

"People ask about Dal Colle and Ho-Sang, so: “They need to have a response season. They’re probably not happy with how the season played out. It’s important they take ownership, move forward and now improve for next year.”"

Thompson is absolutely right on two fronts. First, both Josh Ho-Sang and Michael Dal Colle need response seasons in 2018-19. Both first-round picks, Dal Colle was fifth overall in 2014 and Ho-Sang 28th overall in 2014 should be in the NHL by now.

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And Thompson is right that aren’t happy with the way the season played out. Ho-Sang should have been in the NHL, but was stuck in the AHL for the year to learn how to play defense. He finished the year with 31 points in 50 games.

Dal Colle had 24 points in 60 games. He finished the season on a 12 game cold streak. He failed to record a point in his last 12 contests. After two years at the AHL level, Dal Colle was clearly hoping to make the step towards the NHL.

Both of these players are going to be disappointed with their 2017-18 seasons. There’s no doubt about it. But the rest of what Thompson said left a sour taste in my mouth. Specifically the: “It’s important they take ownership […]” part.

Of course, both Dal Colle and Ho-Sang have a responsibility to either raise their game or find a way to make it to the next level. But so does the coach of the AHL team they play for.

It isn’t hard to say: “It’s important they take some ownership, move forward and improve and we as an organization will be there to help them.” That wasn’t so hard. It shows just how little they seem to care for the development of their players.

Poor Track Record

Think about it. Who was the last forward to come out of Bridgeport and make an impact on the New York Islanders?

Brock Nelson‘s last significant stint in Bridgeport was 2012-13. Josh Bailey only played for Bridgeport in 2010-11, after three years of NHL experience already. Anders Lee last featured predominantly for the Sound Tigers in 2013-14.

What has Bridgeport produced in terms of forward over the last three years? Or since Thompson was reappointed as Sound Tigers Head Coach in 2014-15? Ross Johnston, Alan Quine, and Tanner Fritz.

I love what Ross Johnston brings to the ice every game, but he isn’t the same type of player as Josh Ho-Sang or Michael Dal Colle.

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Next: Isles 2018 Offseason Trade Bait Pieces

The New York Islanders have to look at their track record for developing players over the last few years. They have to realize that something somewhere isn’t working.

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