New York Islanders Centers to Target at 2019 NHL Draft 2.0

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DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Oliver Wahlstrom poses after being selected eleventh 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) /

Why 2.0?

Last March I looked at the centers that could and should interest the Islanders with their first-round pick. But as with anything, their values and draft rank changed, in one case wildly, within two months. Players that may have been within range of the Islanders 23rd overall pick may not be in range now.

The five centers I had earmarked in March were: Connor McMichael, Brett Leason, Phillip Tomasino, Jakob Pelletier, and Cole Caufield.

As you can see Cole Caufield, while already possibly out of reach for the Islanders in March is now well out of reach. Jakob Pelletier was right within range for the Islanders, has now fallen out of the first round of the draft. There’s movement.

Which makes sense, the season wasn’t over in March for these players. How they performed down the stretch and maybe going into the playoffs would help, or hinder their draft status.

With movement on the draft board, the Islanders have to reconsider who will (1) be available when they get their first turn to select (2) and who they’ll pick from those available.

In my second look, I’ve narrowed down the list from five to three to focus on the players that should be within reach for the Islanders.