Islanders Draft Watch: Alex Pietrangelo

Each week, from now until the Draft, I will be profiling a new prospect from the Draft Pool and analyzing how their skills might or might not make them a good fit for the New York Islanders.

Alex Pietrangelo-D-6′4, 210 lbs.-Shoots Right

Alex Pietrangelo belongs in the group of coveted defensemen in this year’s draft (although he is not considered to be on the same level as Drew Doughty or Zach Bogosian). He possesses strong skating skills as well as the ability to evade forechecking pressure. He has nice size for a young player and should continue learning how to utilize it to his advantage. Pietrangelo is one of the best in this draft at leading a rush up the ice to create scoring chances. However, many feel he needs a lot of work on his defensive game and he is thought to be the prospect with the biggest “Boom or Bust” risk.

How he’d help: Pietrangelo’s offensive prowess would certainly be an asset to a team that lacks a true power-play QB like the Islanders. If he can be taught to use his physicality better, he may have the potential to one day be a part of a Top Two defense pairing. Despite his capabilities, New York would likely prefer to obtain a player who has less uncertainty to his game.