New York Islanders Three Takeaways from Preseason Game Five

Michale Dal Colle Not Ready

Michael Dal Colle was drafted fifth overall in the 2014 NHL draft by the New York Islanders. Since, he’s featured in four NHL games scoring zero goals, getting zero assists, and managing just a single shot on net.

That theme has been consistent throughout training camp. Dal Colle is in the final year of his three-year entry-level contract. He’s not only playing for a spot with the Islanders, but he’s playing for his NHL future.

He’s still an RFA at the end of the deal and will remain as one for some time. But there’s very little chance that the Islanders sign him to anything other than the absolute minimum that they can give him.

That’s assuming they haven’t traded him by then. Again, he’s a fifth overall pick just four years ago. In 246 OHL games, Dal Colle scored a ridiculous 316 points. Someone might see value in him.

But so far at camp, Dal Colle hasn’t stood out. He was able to record two shots on net against the Isles final preseason game vs. the Flyers. But that’s it. And that came after the Islanders paired him with Mathew Barzal and Josh Ho-Sang.

Maybe, that’s what Dal Colle needs. The chance to play with some good wingers. Maybe he just needs some motivation to start going.

The New York Islanders and their fifth overall pick from four years ago need to find a way to make this work. Dal Colle has skill and talent, but for some reason, it hasn’t manifested itself on the ice. The Islanders have to figure out why and address it as soon as possible.