| The Islanders
entered the 1992 draft having missed the playoffs for the third time in
the last four seasons. But better days definitely seemed to be on
the near horizon. At the beginning of the 1991-92 campaign, GM Bill
Torrey rid the Islanders of a year long contract squabble with star
center Pat LaFontaine by orchestrating a blockbuster trade with the
Buffalo Sabres. LaFontaine, a hold out, was sent to Buffalo along with
Randy Wood in exchange for Pierre Turgeon, Benoit Hogue, Ewe Krupp and
Dave Mcllwain on October 25, 1991. The deal did wonders for the
Islanders as they replaced their star with a new one in Turgeon and the
other players they acquired gave the team new found depth that they
didn't have before. With the addition of center Ray Ferraro the season
before, the foundation for future success was being set. The Islanders
just missed the playoffs in 1992 finishing with a 34-35-11 record.
Torrey believed the Islanders needed to improve defensively. With the
Islanders ownership uncertain, Torrey was close to being on the way out
with the Islanders after 20 years of service. His final big move as
Islander GM probably came at this draft. While scouting during the
1991-92 season, Torrey and the Islander staff became enamored with a
diminutive but hard nosed defenseman from Lithuania. The Islanders
noticed how Darius Kasparaitis played at the 1992 Olympics with the CIS
team and were very impressed, convinced that he could make the NHL the
following season. Torrey worried that Kasparaitis would not be around at
#8 on draft day, so he traded the Islanders first pick, 8th overall, and
second round pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 5th pick overall.
It turned out to be a wise decision as Kasparaitis would become a huge
fan favorite he stabilized the Islanders blueline along with newly
signed Russian defenseman Vladimir Malakhov, a late round pick in 1989.
This would culminate into a trip to the Wales Conference Finals in 1993.
The rest of the draft for the Islanders did not produce all that much. Jarrett Deuling toiled in the Isles minor league system for a few years, which only produced a handful of games in the NHL. Ryan Duthie was a high scoring western hockey leaguer who over priced himself after one great offensive season and eventually re-entered the draft when the Islanders decided not to meet his contract demands. Derek Armstrong was a serviceable player for 2 or 3 seasons with the big club, but has proven to be a career minor leaguer. Jason Widmer saw 5 games in an Islander uniform. And finally Andrei Vasilyev defied odds as a late round player who would play in the NHL. He had very good offensive skills, but never could stick because of his size and lack of defensive ability.
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D Darius Kasparaitis - One of top 5 most feared body
checkers in the NHL. Won a gold medal with CIS Olympic team in 1992. Joined
the Isles and antagonized opposing players from 1992-96. Went 6-40-46
in 232 games as an Isle. Traded to Pittsburgh for Bryan Smolinski. Will always
be remembered for his play in 1993 playoffs.
LW Jarrett Deuling - Played 4 years with Kamloops(WHL)
going 107-129-236 in 254 games winning 2 Memorial Cups. After joining the Isles
he spent most of his time in the AHL. Notched only an assist in 15 career games
as an Isle from 1995 to 1997. Signed as a free agent by San Jose 8/27/98. Spent
the last 3 years in Kentucky(AHL).
C Tomas Klimt - Has been a member of the Czech Extra
League since 1991, playing for top teams such as Plzen and most recently
Kladno. Has never put up big numbers but had his best season in 2000-01
when he went 10-15-25 in 44 games. Does not appear to be Islander property
anymore. Has gone 37-54-91 in 298 games since 1991.
C Ryan Duthie - Played 3 years with Spokane(WHL)
from 91-94 going 106-164-270 in 198 games. Over valued his worth and the
Isles let him re-enter the draft in 1994. Selected by Calgary in 4th
round, 91st overall. Has played in the AHL, IHL and for the Canadian
National Team. Since 1997 has played in Finland, Italy and British
Leagues.
LW Vladimir Grachev - Played from 1992 to 1997 with
Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Elite League. Played for some weaker
teams since then in the same league. Came to North America in 1999-00
and played for the Wheeling Nailers(ECHL) going 15-25-40 in 49 games
played. Returned to Russia in 2000-01 scoring 4 points in 25 games.
RW Steve O'Rourke - From 1991 to 1994 he went
6-29-35 in 115 games in the WHL. Joined the British Columbia Junior Hockey
League for 2 years before going to the University of Lethbridge(CIAU) for
another 2 years. Played with Louisiana(ECHL) in 1999-00. In 2000-01 he
played for Bracknell in the BISL(British Leagues).
D Jason Widmer - From 1989 to 1994 played mostly
with Lethbridge(WHL) going 19-85-104 in 275 games. Played in the minor
leagues from 1992 to 1996. Went scoreless in 5 career games with the
Isles. Signed as FA with San Jose 9/11/96. Notched an assist in 2 games
with the Sharks. Signed as FA with St. Louis 7/28/98.
C Daniel Paradis - From 1990 to 1993 went 99-136-235
in 201 games with Chicoutimi (QMJHL). Played two years with the University
Quebec Trois Rivier(CIAU) and 3 games with Utah(IHL) in 1996-97. Played
1998-99 in the Quebec Semi Pro League and in 2000-01 with Augsberg in the
DEL(Dutch League).
D David Wainwright - Defensive defenseman played 4 years with
Boston College from 1993-97. Went 12-19-31 with 229 PIM's in 135 games
during that time. In 1997-98 he played in 57 games going 12-14-26 with the
Columbus Cottonmouths of the CHL.
LW Andrei Vasilyev - Played for the Russian Penguins(IHL) in
1993-94. Bounced from Utah(IHL) to Isles between 1994-97. Went 2-5-7 in 15
games with the Isles. Signed as FA by Phoenix 8/26/98. Has played in 1
scoreless games with Phoenix. Has played the last 2 years in the DEL with
Frankfurt and last season with Revier.
