New York Islanders' 2008 Draft Pivotal for Future Success

With the NHL draft coming up this week, the New York Islanders will face a lot of decisions that can change the current culture of the franchise.

This team is coming off an extremely disappointing season where the team missed the playoffs, and the leading scorer on the team had only 49 points! The Islanders cannot compete in the current NHL with the paltry offensive output they had this past season.

The NHL features many teams with young skill players who can skate, as seen in this year's Stanley Cup Finals between Pittsburgh and Detroit. The Islanders and their coach, Ted Nolan, continue to play a defensive, grind-it-out style of hockey.

I do not believe they can compete next year if they do not change the style of play and draft some skillful players.

Among the top prospects, there are a lot of defensemen. The Islanders have the fufth pick in the draft—but the team would be better served trying to acquire the best and most skillful forward available at their draft position.

The Islanders will have a total of eight picks in the draft, and they should concentrate on offense. The last offensive player the Islanders drafted who made a significant contribution to the organization was Ziggy Palffy—in 1993!

Ted Nolan is a great coach. I would like to see what he can do with a little more talent. They cannot rely soley on Rick DiPietro.  

In addition to the draft, the Islanders must be a force in the free agent market. They would be wise to make an offer to Marian Hossa‚—and even Joe Sakic.

If the Islanders begin the '08-09 NHL season with the same forwards they had last year, there will be no progress.

It all begins with the Draft, next Friday night. They must do the right thing!