Rookie Watch: New York Islanders

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Each day until September 15th TPS will take a look at one team from the Eastern conference and one club from the West, spotlighting a rookie or two to watch for this season. This afternoon we explore the freshmen candidates of the New York Islanders.

Islanders Prospect Snap Shot

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The Islanders joined the NHL in 1972 in what was a move by the league to keep the WHA from setting up stakes in the area. The team failed to reach the playoffs in its first two years which is to be expected, but success started to come in season three when the Islanders reached the semi-finals. They lost that year and again the next two seasons but 3 semi-final appearances in their first 5 years was tremendous.

As the 70's came to an end so did the domination of the Montréal Canadiens. The New York Islanders captured their first of four consecutive Stanley Cup Championships at the end of the 1979-80 with an overtime goal by tough guy Bob Nystrom. The club played in 5 straight finals losing the last to the Edmonton Oilers who would then go on to establish their own dynasty. Still, no team has captured 4 straight Stanley Cup titles since the Islanders of the early 80's.

Some of the modern era legends that have worn the Islanders sweater include Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Clake Gillies, Pat LaFonataine, Dennis Potvin, Billy Smith and Brent Sutter.

Here is a look at some of the top prospects Coming Down the Pipe for the New York Islanders...

2009 Draft Prospect Performers Of The Week

Each week, International Scouting Services (ISS), Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), Hockey Now, and The Pipeline Show recognize the Top Draft Eligible player from each of the WHL, OHL, QMJHL, & USHL leagues for the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft based on their play over the course of the week. You can hear some of them Tuesday's on TPS.

Ontario Hockey League – Calvin de Hann, Oshawa Generals
Calvin de Haan wins this week’s OHL award after posting 2 goals and 4 assists in 4 games for the Generals. de Haan, who assumed an a greater role on the Oshawa blueline after the departure of Michael Del Zotto, currently sits 7th amongst defensemen and 5th amongst rookies in scoring this season with 7 goals and 52 points. The native of Carp, ON logs a lot of minutes in all situations and is very confident with the puck on his stick.

Calvin de Haan
Defense
Born May 9 1991 -- Carp, ONT
Height 6.00 -- Weight 170 -- Shoots L

Western Hockey League – Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings

Brayden Schenn picks up another award this week after notching 2 goals and adding 4 assists alongside a plus- 6 rating in 3 games. Schenn, a native of Saskatoon, SK has 28 goals and 60 points for Brandon, who currently sit third in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. Schenn has great hands and hockey sense as well as the ability to be physical when necessary.

Brayden Schenn
Center
Born Aug 22 1991 -- Saskatoon, SASK
Height 6.00 -- Weight 196 -- Shoots L

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanic

Jordan Caron (left at the Top Prospects Game) takes home another draft performer of the week award after recording 3 goals and 4 assists in 3 games for the Oceanic. Caron has 32 goals and 25 assists for 57 points in 49 games this season, his third with Rimouski. Caron is a player with good size who plays a well rounded two-way game. The Oceanic are hosting the 2009 Memorial Cup.

Jordan Caron
Center
Born Nov 2 1990 -- Sayabec, PQ
Height 6.02 -- Weight 196 -- Shoots L

United States Hockey League – Philip Samuelsson, Chicago Steel

Philip Samuelsson wins his first award after putting up 5 assists and a plus- 3 rating in 3 games this week.

Samuelsson is currently in his rookie season in the USHL and has posted a solid 17 assists from the Chicago blueline. Samuelsson is known for his checking ability and a strong shot from the point. He's the son of former NHLer and current Coyotes assistant coach Ulf, and is property of the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL.

Philip Samuelsson
Defense
Born Jul 26 1991 -- Scottsdale, AZ
Height 6.02 -- Weight 195