NHL Draft

New York Islanders: Comparisons for the 2020 NHL draft class

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The New York Islanders had 5 draft picks during the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. None of these picks were in the 1st or 2nd round. This doesn’t mean that the Islanders didn’t select some potentially good players. But, since NHL analysts don’t make comparisons past the first and early second round, regular fans don’t know what to expect. Here are the player comparisons for all 5 players. Also, keep in mind that I’m only using current active NHL players.

Alexander Ljungkrantz

I know for a fact that Brendan Burke will have a hell of a time saying his name every other night. I was skeptical of this pick for one reason, the production wasn’t there. Ljungkrantz played in 42 games in J20 SuperElit, and there wasn’t much I saw. Only 15 goals and 12 assists is not great production. But, he’s proved me wrong as of late. Just 2 days ago, Ljungkrantz had a hattrick with more than 14 minutes remaining in the third. In just 11 games, he has 7 goals and 3 assists. The SHL is not an easy league, but Ljungkrantz is dominating right now. He’s a grinder, and that’s why the Islanders picked him in the 3rd round—my comparison: Jesper Fast, but without that offensive output.

Alex Jefferies

Alex Jefferies’ production is absolutely outstanding. I’ve never pointed to a late-round prospect and said: “the production speaks for itself.” The best is yet to come for this young winger. I am so high on this kid—his most recent stats record as 33 goals and 36 assists in 32 games. Jefferies was over 2 points per game in the USHS-Prep. Jefferies is more of a sniper than a grinder but still plays a 200-foot game. For the sake of optimism, my comparison: Alex DeBrincat.

William Dufour

I’ve seen a lot of buzz around William Dufour. I’m not so sure I believe in it. But, there is a lot to like in his game. I see Dufour as a top-six power forward. Dufour can drive to the net effectively and has some wicked tip-ins. His goalie screens are always effective. Dufour has a nice slapshot and a good wrister. Dufour is not afraid to get dirty and will lay the body. He can definitely be a nice penalty killer for the Isles. My comparison: Jake Debrusk/Anders Lee hybrid.

Matias Rajaniemi

I really have no clue how to pronounce this name, but that’s not my job is it? Top 4 upside for Matias Rajaniemi. All over the world, Hockey analysts have raved about his skating abilities. Almost every beat writer wanted their team to draft Rajaniemi late. Lucky for the Islanders, they stole him in the 6th round. Rajaniemi recorded 2 goals and 15 assists in 39 games last year. His puck skills aren’t there just yet, but they will be. My comparison, just off size alone: Nikita Zadorov.

Henrik Tikkanen

Yes, the Islanders drafted a goalie who is 6’8. How can an NHLer go top shelf on a goalie who covers the whole net and more? Sadly, Tikkanen will not reach the NHL level. His sub .900 save percentage in the second-highest Finnish HL is not going to cut it. He’s just a really tall goalie, hopefully, he makes a difference in Bridgeport one day. My Comparison: Ben Bishop without any of the talent.

It’s Official: the NHL Includes the New York Rangers for Post-Season Play

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New York Rangers, Brendan Lemieux

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman made an announcement on Tuesday afternoon regarding the return-to-play format. The format announcement includes the New York Rangers as part of the play-in round for the 24 team tournament.

In his announcement that was covered on several networks in the United States and Canada, Bettman stated the health and safety of the players and staff were the utmost of his concern. Bettman also stated that the season will not continue unless they have clearance from Civil and Medical authorities.

Bettman has stated the regular season is over, and 24 teams will compete in a tournament. As expected, the top 12 teams in each conference will play, and seeding based on points percentage. He also stated that the tournament will play in two hubs that will be named later. Bettman also noted that each team will be limited to 50 personnel, with a small number of team staff allowed in an event.

As expected, the top four teams will play for a first-round seeding, while the remaining eight teams will play a best-of- series to advance to the first round. Once the round-robin and playoffs are finished, the league will conduct the tournament in a traditional bracket format, with match-ups based on seeding. Bettman also said the length of round two is still being considered. He also stated that he expects the Stanley Cup will played in one of the hub cities.

The New York Rangers have officially been scheduled to play the Carolina Hurricanes.

Bettman also discussed the phase policies, noting that the phase 3 procedure that would allow formal training camps will not happen until July 1 at the earliest.

Bettman listed the Hub cities that are under consideration, and they include Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Vancouver.

It was also announced that the NHL draft would take place after the season concludes. There had been some speculation that the league may try to hold the lottery and draft at the end of June. The NHL Draft Lottery will be on Friday, June 26. The numbers 1, 2, and 3 picks will be up for grabs. Fifteen teams, the seven who are no longer playing plus 8 more currently identified as Teams A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, will be in the lottery. The league will have the same lottery odds as prior years. This process is quite complicated and will be covered in detail in a later article.