Islanders signing watch for three top NCAA prospects

The 2021 NCAA tournament is down to a field of six from the initial 16 teams. Three New York Islanders prospects had made the tournament representing the University of North Dakota, Notre Dame, and Boston University. After yesterday’s action, none remain in the tournament.

Jacob Pivonka’s Notre Dame side was eliminated before even playing a game after having a confirmed COVID case. Logan Cockerill’s BU side bowed out after a 6-3 loss to St Cloud State in the first round, and Collin Adams and the University of North Dakota were eliminated in a marathon 5OT quarterfinal matchup against Minnesota-Duluth.

With the season over for all three prospects, a signing watch has officially begun for a two (and one who wasn’t part of the tournament).

Signing watch is on for two New York Islanders collegiate prospects

The main prospect to watch out for is Collin Adams. The UND senior finished his fourth year and is posed to go pro now. He ended his college run on a strong note with 33 points in 28 games this season. That’s five more points in seven fewer games than last season.

Adams centered the top line for the top team in the nation. For a prospect pool (and an AHL side) devoid of any center depth, his addition to the system would be a welcomed one.

The Isles have until August 15, 2021, to sign him or he becomes a free agent. But I bet Lou Lamoriello gets this prospect signed to a two-year ELC (he’s 22 so he can’t sign a three-year deal) pretty soon to have him begin his pro year.

Although, with that being said, Lou likes taking his time, so it’s possible that they get Adams signed a bit later so that they don’t have to burn a year of his ELC.

Logan Cockerill is the second player who’s reached four years and is poised to become a free agent on August 15, 2021.

The BU captain had a strong, but short, season. He put up 10 points in 12 games for the Terriers. His NHL ceiling might not be too high, but he’s a tenacious worker with leadership experience. If that doesn’t scream Islanders-qualities I don’t know what does.

He may not get signed to an NHL ELC, but it’s likely he gets an AHL deal at the very least.

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Another prospect that is headed towards free agency is defenseman Ben Mirageas. The Providence product was on pace to match a career-high 19 points from his freshman year for the Friars.

Just like the others, he’s getting set for free agency on August 15. I’m sure Lou, a fellow Providence man, gets something done for Mirageas who’s been a good college-level defender.

He’s a solid top-four D that’s ready for the next level. Like Cockerill, I’m not sure I see him sign an NHL deal, but signing an AHL one certainly seems likely.