Islanders sign three forward prospects to entry level deals
The New York Islanders signed three prospects to entry-level deals today.
Today, the New York Islanders signed three of their forward prospects to entry-level deals. Of course, that’s not the signing we all want to hear, but these three will add more talent to an AHL squad that needs it.
The Islanders signed Blade Jenkins, a fifth-round pick from 2018 as well as to picks from 2019 in Felix Bibeau (sixth round) and Cole Coskey (seventh round). The terms of the deal weren’t released as per usual. And for ELC’s there isn’t much room to play.
All three are promising to a certain degree.
The Signings
Blade Jenkins | 2018 5th round 134 overall
Blade Jenkins needed to be signed or else the Islanders could have lost him for nothing.
Jenkins had a pretty good run with the Saginaw Spirit. In three seasons with the Spirit Jenkins had 143 points in 182 games for 0.79 points-per-game. In 21 playoff games, he has 12 points.
He’s another center the Isles can add to their pro ranks down in the AHL.
Felix Bibeau | 2019 6th 178 overall
He had a big year down in the QMJHL. Between the Quebec Ramparts and Chicoutimi Sagueneens, Bibeau put up 72 points in 63 games.
He also has Memorial Cup under his belt with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies alongside Noah Dobson in 2019. And was close to adding another with the Sagueneens.
The 21-year-old has consistently put up decent numbers in the juniors with point-per-game seasons (or better) since 2017-18. We’ll see what he’s like at the pro-level, but at the very least he’s got talent and more talent is welcomed.
Cole Coskey | 2019 7th 209 overall
He’s another older winger. Coskey turns 21 on June 1. The 6’1″ 205 lbs winger had 80 points in 63 games for Saginaw Spirit. Only Cole Perfetti ranked seventh on The Hockey News’ 2020 draft rankings, had more points this season than Coskey with 111 points.
For five years straight, Cole Coskey put up better and better numbers for the Spirit. I’m sure playing with Perfetti helped, but it seems like Coskey is a good player in his own right.
Want your voice heard? Join the Eyes On Isles team!
The Athletics Corey Pronman (subscription required) believes that Coskey could help an AHL team. Looks like that’s going to be the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. And after a league worse 23-33-5-2 record, the Sound Tigers can use the help.