New York Islanders Redrafting 2012 NHL Entry Draft

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 23: Doyle Somerby, 125th overall pick by the New York Islanders, shakes hands during day two of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft at Consol Energy Center on June 23, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Round 5 Pick 125

Original Pick: Doyle Somersby | Our Pick: Connor Hellebuyck

Yeah. We already took Matt Murray in the third round of the 2012 draft instead of Adam Pelech. But just because you draft one goalie doesn’t mean you can’t take another two rounds later.

Again, we’re playing revisionist history but a Matt Murray Connor Hellebuyck tandem would be unbelievable. The Islanders certainly wouldn’t be looking for a starting goalie in 2018 with these two in the system.

While Murray has the more impressive two Stanley Cup rings, Hellebuyck is a Vezina finalist this season. With a 2.36 GAA and .924 SV% Hellebuyck lead the Winnipeg Jets to the playoffs for only the second time since being relocated from Atlanta.

His 44 wins in the regular season was tied for the league lead with Andrei Vasilevskiy, it’s also the record for an American born goaltender.

Now obviously were projecting that Hellebuyck and even Murray would be just as good regardless of systems they were developed in. That’s a big ask in the New York Islanders system not known for it’s great developmental track record.

But in this fun exercise either goalie would be perfect for the New York Islanders. Having both would mean the Isles could easily trade one off for maximum assets to address an area where they need the help.

Instead, the New York Islanders picked Doyle Somerby. A 6’5″ 223lbs defender who put up few points in his draft year. After playing four full years at B.U. Somerby is now playing in the AHL for the Cleveland Monsters, the Columbus Blue Jackets AHL affiliate. He’s yet to play in the NHL.