At No. 5, Islanders hope this is last 'high' pick for while

With the No. 5 pick in this month's NHL draft, the Islanders are in line to land another blue-chip prospect just one year after taking John Tavares with the No. 1 overall selection.

After a trip to the NHL combine in Toronto last week, Islanders assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting Ryan Jankowski got another glimpse of who that may be and what it could mean to the organization.

"We're obviously very excited," Jankowski said. "It's a very important pick to add a piece to our existing first-rounders - Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, John Tavares and Calvin de Haan - and add to our prospect base."

Although this year's class might not be as talented as others - namely the impressive group of 2008 - the Islanders are in position to select a highly skilled player.

"It's a good draft class," Jankowski said. "A lot of teams picking at the top feel they are going to get a good player. Does it compare to the draft two years ago with Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian, Luke Schenn and Tyler Myers? Probably not. But, it's not far off that and there are certainly a lot of good players at the top of the draft."

Ontario Hockey League stars Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin are virtual locks to go first and second, although not necessarily in that order. From three to eight, however, there is more parity and perhaps more opportunity for surprises on draft day.

Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley are promising young defensemen, winger Brett Connolly may be in the Hall-Seguin conversation save for some lingering questions about his health and Swiss standout Nino Niederreiter has also garnered plenty of interest.

But to temper some expectations, Jankowski said don't assume the Islanders' first-round pick will earn a roster spot out of training camp and contribute immediately like Tavares, who had 24 goals and 30 assists during his rookie season.

"It's difficult - besides the top two - to say they will be NHL-ready, but you may get some surprises," Jankowski said. "We don't feel they are necessarily NHL-ready. They may be by training camp, but that also may be a stretch."

The Islanders hope the development of their team next season elevates them to the next grouping in the draft order, where the playoff teams hold court.

"A pick at No. 5 is a very special player," said Jankowski, "but hopefully it's our last pick in this range."