Isles Info - 1998 Draft

1998 Draft

Among GM Mike Milbury's seven drafts, this draft could turn out to be the worst. The Isles finished 1997-98 with a 30-41-11 record and the 9th pick overall in the draft. For whatever reason, Milbury and Isles head of scouting Gordie Clark felt that it was time to take a gamble and draft a player that most other scouts had rated between the 15th and 20th selection. Their selection, Michael Rupp, had one thing going for him. He is an excellent skater for a big man(6-5, 218). The Islanders felt that if he could develop some offensive skills, they could have the next John Leclair on their hands. But, when all was said and done Rupp did not improve much offensively in junior and the Islanders decided not to sign him because Rupp was asking for more than the Islanders were willing to pay. They received a compensatory pick, a second round pick, from the NHL for not signing a first round pick. Milbury sent that pick to Vancouver as the future considerations involved with the Dave Scatchard etc deal. In another questionable move, Milbury sent Chris Nielsen, a top prospect, to Columbus for two draft picks. Two weeks later he sent the fourth round pick he gained in that deal to Anaheim in exchange for prospect Trent Hunter. Andy Burnham was a wasted pick and Jiri Dopita was too happy playing in Czechoslovakia where supposedly his wife is making big money in the medical field. The rest of the players are done or just about there professionally. The only thing the Islanders have from this draft is Evgeny Korolev, who is probably destined to be a serviceable depth player for the rest of his career.

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LW Michael Rupp - Played high school hockey in Cleveland, OH. Isles did not sign him after 2 years of disappointing play with Erie(OHL) where he went 54-46-100 in 121 games played during that time. Re-entered the draft in 2000. Selected in the 3rd round, 76th overall by New Jersey. Went 10-10-20 in 71 games with Albany in 2000-01.
Drafted: 1st round, 9th overall

C Chris Nielsen - Despite early concussion problems, developed into a solid prospect for the Isles. Although GM Mike Milbury felt he was expendable because of similar players already in the organization. So on May 11, 2000 he traded the prospect to Columbus for their fourth and ninth round picks in the 2000 draft.
Drafted: 2nd round, 36th overall

RW Andy Burnham - At the time, there was a question as to why the Isles selected Burnham. Good size but skating was questionable. Was not signed by the Isles last summer. Attended the St. Louis Blues camp in September 2000. In April, after finishing his OHL career with five different teams, he signed with Memphis of the United League.
Draft: 4th round, 95th overall -Memphis profile page-

C Jiri Dopita - Big center has contributed to the Czech National Teams rise to power of last few years. Could have entered the NHL 10 years ago. Originally drafted in 1992 by Boston. Isles could not sign him. Traded to Florida in 1999 for 5th round pick(Adam Johnson). Traded this summer to Flyers. Signed to play with friend Cechmanek.
Draft: 5th round, 123rd overall -pic & article- -pic- -pic-

D Kevin Clauson - Big defenseman(6-5, 210) played two years at Western Michigan of the CCHA where he went 1-2-3 in 48 games. Transferred to the University of Maine(HE) and has spent the last 2 years there where he has gone 2-9-11 in 46 games. Graduated this summer but doesn't seem to be in the Isles future plans.
Draft: 6th round, 155th overall -Maine profile page-

D Evgeny Korolev - The only player to ever be drafted twice by the Islanders, 8th round in 1996. Has played most of the last three years in the minors and as a depth player on the blueline for Isles. Was re-signed to a 2 year deal early in August 2001. He is 1-2-3 in 25 career games for the Islanders.
Draft: 7th round, 182nd overall

G Frederik Brind'amour - Played 4 years in the QMJHL mostly with Sherbrooke. Posted a career record of 68-96-10 in 198 appearances. Played on some poor teams including the expansion Montreal Rockets in his final year of 1999-00. Was not signed by the Islanders and does not seem to be playing pro anywhere currently.
Draft: 8th round, 209th overall

D Ben Blais - From Berlin, NH. The Isles drafted him out of Walpole High School. He attended St. Lawrence(ECAC) for one year notching 1 assist in only 3 games. He then transferred to Quinnipiac, a division one team in the Metro Atlantic. A step down from the big four college divisions. Sat out 1999-00 and went 3-11-14 in 33 games in 2000-01.
Draft: 9th round, 237th overall -Quinnipiac profile page-

RW Jason Doyle - Originally drafted by Boston 80th overall in 1996. Isles drafted him before his over-age season. He needed one big season but failed to earn a contract. In his 5 years in the OHL with 4 different teams he went 87-105-192 in 277 games. In 1999-00 he played for the UNB Varsity Reds(AUAA) and went 4-4-8 in 21 games.
Draft: 9th round, 242nd overall

LW Radek Matejovsky - The story behind this pick is that the Islanders acquired it from Boston GM Harry Sinden on draft day because Sinden wanted to leave early to play golf. So the Isles gave Boston a 9th round pick in 1999. Radek attended Isles training camp in 1998 but not since. Went 6-7-13 in 50 games in the Czech League in 1999-00.
Draft: 9th round, 250th overall

1998-2006 Tom Mascioli