With the 31st overall pick in the second round, the Islanders have selected Goaltender Mikko Koskinen. Koskinen is listed as being a staggering 6’7″ and I just snapped a picture and some video of him being interviewed by Steve Mears who looks like a dwarf standing next to him. Looks like they wanted to draft someone in Snow’s mold.
Information on the goaltender of the future for the Islanders courtesy of Hockey’s Future:
History
2007-08: Spent the majority of the season with the Blues of the SM-Liiga juniors, posting respectable numbers after 20 games.
2008-09: Played for the Espoo Blues and posted a 1.91 goals against average and .912 save percentage after 33 games. Was passed over in the 2008 draft.
Talent AnalysisKoskinen’s greatest asset is his size, which he uses to seemingly fill the entire net and he covers a lot of space in the butterfly. He is inexperienced in terms of the number of games played and has not had a lot of international experience – excelling in the SM-Liiga where he ordinarily does not see the booming slapshots or accurate snipers more common in North America. Still learning as a goaltender, he must work to improve his quickness and foot speed. Very good at anticipating chances and setting himself to limit scoring opportunities. Quality teammate who has earned the respect of the veteran players in Espoo.
FutureRated as the second European goalie by Central Scouting, in a bad year for European goalies.
