New York Islanders Release 2018 Mini Camp Roster

The New York Islanders released the list of prospects that are going to be at minicamp this week, including the Blue and White scrimmage.

It’s that time of year again when the New York Islanders hold their prospect camp on Long Island, and we get to take a look at the Islanders future. It’s usually a fun event, for the fans, who get to see the latest draftees and more of their favorite prospects.

On Thursday, we get to see a scrimmage that features three 20 minute games and also a skills competition to boot. There’s actually still tickets available, it’s $15 and the money goes to charity if you’re interested.

Here’s a look at the roster:

Let’s start with Michael Dal Colle. This will be his fifth prospect camp. We sound like a broken record but this kid has got to start figuring it out at the AHL level, we’re not even talking about the NHL anymore. He had just 24 points in 60 games with the Sound Tigers taking a significant step backward.

It’s really a make or break season for Dal Colle as he’s now 22-years old and only has four games under his belt, as a top-five pick from four years ago now, it’s do or die time.

Then there’s polarizing figure Josh Ho-Sang. One thing that everyone noticed was Ho-Sang wearing the number 26 instead of 66. Did Lou Lamoriello jump in and have him switch or did Ho-Sang stick with 26, the number he wore in the AHL.

Ho-Sang has a real shot at making the roster this year, we were wrong to assume that he’d have a bigger role last year, but based on personnel he seems like a lock to be on the third line in 2018. I’m excited to see how he plays with a legit head coach and a full year of NHL hockey.

When I go on Thursday, I know I’ll be most interested in the first-round picks. Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson will both be there. Both guys were considered top-10 picks that somehow were available at 11 and 12.

Lou didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on them, which came as a surprise that they used both picks, but I don’t think you could’ve planned the first round any better.

Finally, maybe the guy with the best chance of making the roster, Kieffer Bellows will be at his third camp. After a 41 goal season in the WHL, I think it’s time for the 20-year old to make the transition to the NHL.

He would instantly give the Islanders another scoring threat, and if he does make the roster he can slot in as the third line left wing.

Next: Islanders Tender Qualifying Offers to RFAs

There’s a lot of interesting storylines heading into camp. It’ll be a good opportunity for us to get a taste for who can do what while also getting our fix of Islanders hockey.