New York Islanders Looking for a Boost with Youngsters

The New York Islanders have stockpiled draft picks over the last few years. In 2008 alone, they drafted 13 players at the NHL Entry Draft. This, along with the signing of a couple big names in free agency, proves the Islanders are showing that they mean business this season.

Last year the Islanders saw prospect Kyle Okposo hit the ice for the first time at their home arena. Taken 7^th overall in the 2006 Entry Draft, Okposo is the golden boy in the Islanders prospect pool. He has a very good chance to make the team next season as he played 9 games last season posting 2 goals and 3 assists. The Islanders are taking the patient approach with all their prospects, but really would love to see Okposo to be able to contribute big next season. The 20 year old who attended the University of Minnesota will spend most of next season learning the game at the pro level.

Another player waiting in the ranks is Robin Figren. The 5 foot 11, 175 pound left winger was limited last season by injuries and only finished the season with 35 games under his belt with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. Next season, Figren will make his way to Sweden to play with Djurgardens of the Swedish Elite League. The Islanders are extremely happy about that. Figren will need to develop his size and skill to make the jump to the NHL in the coming seasons.

After a solid sophomore outing with the Islanders minor league club, Ben Walter will have the chance to earn a full time spot this season. Walter led the minor league club with 20 goals and 66 points and netted a goal in 8 games with the Islanders last season as well. Consistency will be the key for Walter to making the team, he needs to prove he can play in the NHL night in and night out.

Josh Bailey was targeted by the Islanders from the beginning of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He is a creative center who can make the players around him better, just the kind of player who the Islanders need. Bailey will be the guy who could lead the Islanders offense in the future, playing on a line with Kyle Okposo. Bailey will have the chance to make the team this season depending on how training camp goes.

Blake Kessel, brother of Boston Bruin's star forward Phil Kessel, is one of the Islanders secrets on defense. Blake finished another great season in the United States Hockey League scoring 19 goals and finishing with 57 points in 59 games. Next season, Blake will make his way to the Univeristy of New Hampshire where the Islanders hope he can turn into an impact player. The sooner he develops at the college level, the sooner he can make the jump to the NHL.

In goal, the Islanders are basically set with Rick DiPietro. DiPietro signed a long term deal until 2021 last season. Jase Weslosky is most capable of the youngsters in the Islanders system. Selected 108^th overall he emerged as the starting goaltender last season for St. Cloud State University. The 6 foot 2, 185 pound goalie put up impressive numbers with a record of 16-13-2. Weslosky will have to prove that he is capable of holding the number one goaltending spot full time next season. The Islanders hope that Weslosky can be the backup they need for DiPietro in the future.