Why will the Bridgeport Islanders WILL be better in 2021-22?
The Bridgeport Islanders were TERRIBLE last year, finishing before last in the entire league. So why do I think they’ll be better this year? Here’s why.
5 players are due to take the next step in their development. If 4 of 5 do that the BPT Isles will be a playoff team.
Otto Koivula should be the best U25 F prospect on the roster. He has shown that he can produce at the AHL level, but over the past two seasons he hasn't really been given he ice time at the AHL level for his game to come together. I think he'll pass through waivers this year and get a top 6 role with the team, plaaying both the PP and PK. I look for a solid year from Otto.
Jacob Skarek is in the infancy of his development. Lat year he showed signs of improving technically, but there just weren't enough games to build his instincts. He should have that time this year and by the second half I expect him to be a .910+ SAV%, sub 2.50 GAA goaltender who will win a lot of games in the last 36 if he stays healthy.
Bode Wilde was buried behind solid NHL talent at RD, and Grant Hutton who had a very steady first pro year defensively. Bode should take the reigns of being the #1 AHL RD for BPT. I expect a 35+ point season with PP production and first unit PK time. He'll need another year or two before he challenges Mayfield for a regular NHL job, but he should get some games if there is a RD injury later this year.
Simon Holmstrom is a 20 year old at the worst time to be in NA development. I expect his maturity and talent to grow to where he is a productive top 6 F in the AHL. He will need to improve his puck battle skills and aggressiveness, and his defensive zone acumen. He is probably two years away from being in the NHL, but this is a very important development year for him.
Sam Bolduc had a very good first year pro. He'll need to take the next step and be productive over a full AHL schedule that includes a lot more travel and differing opponents. If he can adjust to the different opposing styles, and the more demanding pro schedule he should be NHL ready next year.
I left off Salo and Golyshev because I feel they are probably NHL ready, but not enough to really challenge for an NHL spot against the current NHL roster. salo may be given a shot early, but Golyshev will have to wait for an opportunity. MDC will probably also see a lot of AHL action. It would be nice to see him regain his scoring touch in the less demanding American League.
Added to the question marks should be Dymitri Timashov. He showed some offensive talent last year, but he probably is not what they want at the NHL level. Too much flash, not enough substance. Another vet that could add something to the BPT lineup is Austin Czarnik who will not have a taxi to ride in this year. If they use a roster sport for him he should improve the overall C depth.
When did Appleby join the team? I feel like there was a close correlation between his joining the team and the turn around. If he can step up like Driedger did for Florida, that could make Varlamov expendable next summer and open up $5m for Lou to strengthen the Isles.
Out of Coskey, Bibeau, Durandeau, Holmstrom, Goyshev, Timashov, Adams, Koivula, do you feel any of these guys can make the next step if the Isles run into injuries? Thanks again for the video updates. I love the Isles' content.
6 Comments
Because they can’t be any worse? 😆
5 players are due to take the next step in their development. If 4 of 5 do that the BPT Isles will be a playoff team.
Otto Koivula should be the best U25 F prospect on the roster. He has shown that he can produce at the AHL level, but over the past two seasons he hasn't really been given he ice time at the AHL level for his game to come together. I think he'll pass through waivers this year and get a top 6 role with the team, plaaying both the PP and PK. I look for a solid year from Otto.
Jacob Skarek is in the infancy of his development. Lat year he showed signs of improving technically, but there just weren't enough games to build his instincts. He should have that time this year and by the second half I expect him to be a .910+ SAV%, sub 2.50 GAA goaltender who will win a lot of games in the last 36 if he stays healthy.
Bode Wilde was buried behind solid NHL talent at RD, and Grant Hutton who had a very steady first pro year defensively. Bode should take the reigns of being the #1 AHL RD for BPT. I expect a 35+ point season with PP production and first unit PK time. He'll need another year or two before he challenges Mayfield for a regular NHL job, but he should get some games if there is a RD injury later this year.
Simon Holmstrom is a 20 year old at the worst time to be in NA development. I expect his maturity and talent to grow to where he is a productive top 6 F in the AHL. He will need to improve his puck battle skills and aggressiveness, and his defensive zone acumen. He is probably two years away from being in the NHL, but this is a very important development year for him.
Sam Bolduc had a very good first year pro. He'll need to take the next step and be productive over a full AHL schedule that includes a lot more travel and differing opponents. If he can adjust to the different opposing styles, and the more demanding pro schedule he should be NHL ready next year.
I left off Salo and Golyshev because I feel they are probably NHL ready, but not enough to really challenge for an NHL spot against the current NHL roster. salo may be given a shot early, but Golyshev will have to wait for an opportunity. MDC will probably also see a lot of AHL action. It would be nice to see him regain his scoring touch in the less demanding American League.
Added to the question marks should be Dymitri Timashov. He showed some offensive talent last year, but he probably is not what they want at the NHL level. Too much flash, not enough substance. Another vet that could add something to the BPT lineup is Austin Czarnik who will not have a taxi to ride in this year. If they use a roster sport for him he should improve the overall C depth.
When did Appleby join the team? I feel like there was a close correlation between his joining the team and the turn around. If he can step up like Driedger did for Florida, that could make Varlamov expendable next summer and open up $5m for Lou to strengthen the Isles.
Out of Coskey, Bibeau, Durandeau, Holmstrom, Goyshev, Timashov, Adams, Koivula, do you feel any of these guys can make the next step if the Isles run into injuries?
Thanks again for the video updates. I love the Isles' content.
Who would be their best choice for a captain? Just think they need on ice leaders who want to win.
They might need a coaching change.