The Five Worst First-Round Draft Picks in NY Islanders History

Michael Dal Colle (2014, 5th Overall)

What will always be a curious case is the fall from grace Michael Dal Colle had. He was the consensus fifth best prospect in the 2014 draft, posting 39 goals and 95 points. What always stood out with him was his deadly shot and his ability to drive play. After he was drafted he went right back to dominance with another 90+ point season, and helped the Generals win a Memorial Cup. Afterwards, that’s when things seemed to fall. Oshawa lost a lot of their key players, and Dal Colle struggled in the first 30 games, only posting 25 points. Eventually, he was traded to the Kingston Frontenacs and found a bit of his scoring touch with 27 goals and 55 points.

When he became a pro, he underwhelmed greatly. Dal Colle never dominated the AHL like many had hoped he would, and failed to hit the 20 goal mark. Many of his Bridgeport teammates were receiving call-ups while he struggled to find his game. He eventually got a taste of the NHL, and did OK at best in 112 career games, but he was never the guy the Islanders thought they were getting. 

Notable players picked after:

• William Nylander
• Nikolaj Ehlers
• Kevin Fiala
• Jakub Vrana
• Dylan Larkin