NHL Draft 2011: New York Islanders Clean Up in Round 2

The New York Islanders have made their two second-round selections of the 2011 NHL Draft.

The Islanders came into Round 2 in Minnesota with the 34th and 50th overall picks. They used the former to take Scott Mayfield from the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League. 

Mayfield is a big, physical defenseman from St. Louis, Missouri, stands 6'4," and is listed at 200 pounds, although he looks more like 185. (He does, however, have a body that looks as though it could add another 10-20 pounds.)

Many—thinking Mayfield would be a first-round draft pick—believe that this pick is a steal for the Islanders. He has very good vision on the ice, can make quick outlet passes (very good for quarterbacking the power-play), and is an above-average skater.

Many people will also look past his wrist shot from the point—it is excellent. He can start and end the play from the point on the power-play.

He will likely spend all four years in college, playing for the University of Denver, but in the end he has the ability to be a top-quality defenseman.

Mayfield's upside by far outweighs the risk, as well.

Overall, Mayfield was a very, very solid pick for the Islanders, who should be thankful that he fell to them.

With the 50th pick, the Islanders took Johan Sundstrom, who plays for Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League.

Sundstrom is a big center who can also play on the wing. He stands 6'2" and weighs in at 195 pounds.

Sundstrom is a raw talent, but as with Mayfield, his upside is limitless.

He is a physical player, who doesn't mind going into the high-traffic areas on the ice, and a well-rounded player with a decently quick shot.

Sundstrom played for the Swedish National Team in the World Juniors this past year and seemed to be a player that the coaches trusted as he got quite a bit of ice time.

Don't expect him to put up a ton of goals, as it seems that his role will be more that of a grinder or defensive forward, something the Islanders are looking for and will gladly take.

Sundstrom has no second thoughts to stand in front of the net and collect rebounds, and as with Mayfield, he has great vision and a great hockey IQ. Sundstrom really understands the game and what to do in certain situations.

Although he is more of a risky pick than Mayfield, Sundtrom, too, has a lot of upside. 

Overall, with New York taking Ryan Strome fifth overall and Mayfield and Sundstrom in the second round, the Islanders are having a very successful draft so far. It looks as though they are expanding on an already impressive and plentiful group of young, talented players in the program on Long Island.