New York Islanders Michael Dal Colle is on Fire in the AHL

With 25 points in 26 games, New York Islanders prospect Michael Dal Colle is on pace for a career year. Can he keep up this incredible pace?

New York Islanders prospect Michael Dal Colle is on fire in the AHL, with 25 points in 26 games, and seven goals in the past five games. He currently sits in third with 16 goals, only behind Brandon Pirri and Chris Terry. Despite his label as a bust, Dal Colle looks to be coming into his own with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

After being drafted fifth overall by the New York Islanders in 2014, Dal Colle never quite played up to the potential of a top-five pick. MDC hasn’t been a point per game player since his days in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals and the Kingston Frontenacs.

This recent spur of talent is surprising for many in the hockey world, as Dal Colle was touted as a bust following his talent in the AHL, and a brief stint in the NHL before the 2018-19 season. With the New York Islanders, Dal Colle has been held without a point in the six games he was dressed.

In the two NHL games this season, Dal Colle was placed on the fourth line, and averaged only 8:48 TOI, compared to an average TOI of 13:21 in four games during the 2017-18 season, per hockey reference.

Why Dal Colle is Playing so Well

Dal Colle has had some help getting to this point, and it’s partly due to the assistance of his teammates. The Bridgeport Sound Tigers are currently 18-9-4, led by strong goaltending and depth. This has been the best Sound Tigers team since Dal Colle was there, and he’s a big part of their success.

With the likes of Devon Toews, Josh Ho-Sang, Kieffer Bellows, Sebastian Aho, and surprising talent Otto Koivula. The Sound Tigers have depth at wing and defense, with veteran AHLers such as Chris and Ryan Bourque, both with over ten years in the AHL with multiple teams.

This Bridgeport team is built for a long run into the playoffs and can live without big-name players like Devon Toews and Josh Ho-Sang, who may be in the NHL for the rest of the 18-19 season. Dal Colle must stay on this pace if he wishes to continue his hockey career at the next level.

Michael Dal Colle is having a career year with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and can prove everyone wrong who said he wouldn’t ever be an impactful NHL player. In a contract year, this sudden burst of production could be great trade bait or could lead to an extension for Dal Colle. If he can keep the pace at which he’s scoring, he won’t have a problem getting a contract from the Islanders or another team.