G Rick DiPietro - Now considered the Isles goaltender of
the future. An elite puck-handler. Began 2000-01 with Chicago(IHL) and
posted a record of 4-5-2 with a 3.39 GAA in 14 games. Called up mid-season by
the Isles and without much support went 3-15-1 with a 3.49 GAA in 20 games. Had
two assists. Needs to work on five hole.
Drafted: 1st round, 1st overall
LW Raffi Torres - Projected to be a future fan favorite
on Long Island. Been named to the OHL second all-star team two years in a row.
Missed some games with an injury last season. Went 33-37-70 in 55 games. In
1999-00 he finished 6th in League scoring going 43-48-91 in 68 games. Plays alot
like his favorite player, former Isle Wendel Clark.
Drafted: 1st round, 5th overall
D Arto Tukio - Not very big, so doesn't play a
physical game. Is considered a very good playmaker on the blueline and
could even one day be a force on the powerplay. Tukio played well in the
2000 World Junior Championships. Just finished his second season in the
Finnish Elite League where he went 5-10-15 in 43 games played.
Draft: 4th round, 101st overall
RW Vladimir Gorbunov - Islander head of scouting
Gordie Clark says that Gorbunov is a high skill player who plays a very
aggressive game. For the last two seasons he has been playing in the
Russian League, an AHL for their Elite League. He is a 19 year old playing
with men. In 1999-00 he went 11-7-18 in 40 games with 32 PIM's.
Draft: 4th round, 105th overall
C Dmitri Upper - Signed to a two year deal shortly
after being drafted in summer of 2000. Had a good training camp with the
Isles and displayed a "get under your skin" scrappy style of
play. Did not make the team so he decided to go back and play in the
Russian Hockey League. Dropped off a bit in 2000-01 going 7-6-13 in 37
games. Draft: 5th round, 136th overall
W Kristofer Ottosson - Top player currently playing
for Djurgarden in the Swedish Elite League. Among the league leaders in
scoring each of the last 2 seasons. Went 17-24-41 in 46 games in 2000-01.
Scored 25 goals in 1999-00. Wasn't signed by July 15th deadline this
summer so he will return to Sweden for 2001-02 season. 24 years old.
Draft: 5th round, 148th overall
D Ryan Caldwell - Had a great freshman season with
the Denver Pioneers of the WCHA in 2000-01 going 2-20-22 in 35 games. Was
named to the WCHA all rookie team. Considered an offensive defenseman. Has
plenty of time to develop. Needs to bulk up and fill out his tall frame.
If he keeps up the offensive numbers he may have a future.
Draft: 7th round, 202nd overall
LW Dmitri Altarev - Struggled through his first
season in the Russian League in 2000-01 going 1-2-3 in 35 games. Gordie
Clark says Altarev is a big guy that works hard. The Islanders will be
keeping an eye on him. A very long term project.
Draft: 9th round, 264th overall
D Tomi Pettinen - A teammate of Tukio's in the
Finnish League. The 24 year old wants to play in the NHL one day. Has not
put up big numbers in Finland. He went 2-2-4 in 56 games in 2000-01. Plays
a much different game than Tukio. He uses his body and clears the front of
the net well. The Isles love drafting older d-men in the late rounds.
Draft: 9th round, 267th overall
