New York Islanders Five Potential Centers for 2019 Draft Targets

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DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Noah Dobson poses after being selected twelfth overall by the New York Islanders during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Connor McMichael | London Knights, 6’0″ 170lbs

Bob McKenzie: 26th
Tankathon: 23rd
MyNHLDraft: 20th
DraftSite: 25th

McMichael leads his London Knights team in scoring with 72 points in 67. The 18-year-old has taken incredible strides under head coach Dale Hunter.

Based on various testimonials on MyNHLDraft, McMichael is strong in all three zones, has good vision of the ice, and can put up points (as evidenced with his 72 points this season). He sounds like a perfect Barry Trotz type of player when he eventually gets to the NHL.

Now his size is still up for debate it seems. Some resources have him listed as 6’0″ tall while others go as short as 5’10”. (Bob McKenzie has him listed at 5’10” 3/4.)

You’d think that two inches wouldn’t be such a big deal, but anything under 6’0″ isn’t typically regarded as a good thing in the NHL. With that being said, the Vancouver Canucks drafted defenseman Quinn Hughes at 5’10” 175lbs seventh overall. GM’s might be starting to think that size might not matter if a player has skill.

While the Islanders need center depth they won’t approach the draft trying to get NHL ready talent. Connor McMichael is a player, who while still young, can develop into a solid NHL player in a few years.

Who wouldn’t want their own center named Connor coming out of the OHL?