The Charlottetown Islanders took a big leap forward last season, picking up the franchise’s first playoff series win in a decade. The key cogs in last year’s machine are back and hungry to make a deeper run this season.
Success starts with Calgary Flames prospect Mason McDonald between the pipes. The first goalie selected in the 2014 NHL Draft gives the team a chance to win every game. Up front, the duo of Daniel Sprong and Filip Chlapik are nearly impossible to contain. The two showed chemistry together last season and look to build on that momentum again this year.
Prediction
First in the Maritimes division. A stud goalie, a physical blueline and powerful forwards make Charlottetown a serious contender.
Forwards
The Islanders pack a powerful punch up front with the duo of Sprong and Chlapik. The Pittsburgh Penguins nabbed Sprong in the second round (46th overall) after a 39-goal, 88-point season. Here’s a chance to get to know him more.
Linemate Chlapik went two picks later to the Ottawa Senators after a 33-goal, 75-point rookie campaign. Here are some of his highlights.
The team’s 13th-overall selection from the Q draft, Shawn Boudrias, along with third-rounder Carl Gervais made the ISlanders after their first training camp. Shawn Boudrias is a 6-foot-2, 176-lb. power forward who adds even more skill and size to an already dangerous team.
Defence
While the blueline may not produce a lot of points, the Islanders have a crew that can shut down and frustrate the opposition. The 6-foot-4, 203-lb. David Henley finished the season with 123 PIM and is a handful to play against.
There’ll be plenty of fresh faces with David Comeau and Alex Smith made the roster. Local Islander Alexander McQuaid also joins the team after an off-season trade from the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. He brings nastiness to the blueline with 218 PIM in 107 career games.
Goaltending
Three goalies made Charlottetown’s initial roster, led by Calgary Flames prospect McDonald. He’ll miss the start of the season at Calgary’s training camp giving Matthew Welsh, the team’s second-round pick in this year’s Q draft, a chance to get some junior experience.
Daryl MacCallum returns for his second year for his hometown team. He played admirably in the playoffs after a knee injury knocked Mason McDonald out of the post-season. MacCallum could see lots of action this year as McDonald starts the season in Calgary and could play for Canada at the world juniors in December.
NHL prospect watch
Filip Chlapik, C, Ottawa Senators (2015, 48th overall)
The Czech forward was one of the league’s top rookies last season with 75 points. He did show some fatigue while adjusting to the longer North American season, but finished strong with six goals in the final month of the season. Chlapik has loads of skill and could be unstoppable with improved skating.
Daniel Sprong, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (2015, 46th overall)
The Dutchman went on a tear in March, scoring 10 goals in nine games as the Islanders entered the playoffs red-hot. He continued to produce in the playoffs with seven goals in two series against Sherbrooke and Québec. He loves to fire the puck on net and has blinding speed. If he can improve his two-way play this season, he’ll be one of the league’s top players in all zones.
CONTRACT: Daniel Sprong (PIT): Y1: 575/92.5, Y2: 575/92.5, Y3: 650/92.5. $692.5k AAV with possible Games Played bonuses.
— WAR On Ice (@war_on_ice) August 29, 2015
NHL Draft watch
Mitchell Balmas, C
The seventh-overall pick of the 2014 Q draft never had a chance to show off his full potential as a rookie, only putting up 11 points in 56 games. He’s had a good pre-season with four goals in six games and could be the Islander’s most improved player this season. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Balmas plays a solid two-way game with scoring potential.