Islanders Sign Prospect Jack Hillen
 

The New York Islanders have agreed to terms on a 2-year contract with Jack Hillen, the leading scorer among defensemen in NCAA Division I hockey.

The 22-year old Hillen, who completed four years at Colorado College by being named Defenseman of the Year in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in 2007-08, will join the Islanders for practice on Wednesday and could make his NHL debut later this week. The Islanders host the New York Rangers on Thursday at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and play the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

In 41 games this season with Colorado College, the 5-11, 200-pound native of Minnesota had six goals and 31 assists for a Division I-leading 37 points among defensemen.

"We are very proud that Jack made the decision to join the Islanders," said general manager Garth Snow. "He was one of the prized college free agents for good reason. He is an excellent puck-moving defenseman and our scouting staff is really impressed by his competitive spirit. Jack Hillen becomes a major addition to our list of top prospects."

“I liked the way Garth Snow and Islanders management came after me with honesty and a commitment,” Hillen said this afternoon, soon after signing his contract. “They are building a team around a core of exciting young players. I know Kyle Okposo well from playing against him and he had many glowing things to say about how the organization has treated him. The Islanders were the perfect fit for me.”

Anyone know much about this guy? I'm a little surprised he'd be possibly making his NHL debut already completely out of left field, but given our pitiful state of a roster, I guess it's not that hard to crack the lineup.

The fishsticks need a QB so maybe this kid will be the answer, I'm suprised he went undrafted considering the numbers he put up

he is pretty good offensively, but lacks some toughness to dig into a good board battle. won't drop them or make a big hit. another version of marc-andre bergeron pretty much.

Cant be as bad as MAB...

toughness wise, oh yes you can be. just look at the wings whole team. he does usually make smart decisions in his own zone too.

If he can skate, make a crisp pass and score goals consistently, without being a -25, hes good in my book. MAB sucks.