Islanders 2012 Draft Central - Tanner Pearson and Mike Winther

In the days leading up to the NHL Draft, newyorkislanders.com will break down the top 50 eligible prospects

Monday, 06.04.2012 / 12:00 AM / Islanders 2012 Draft Central

By Travis Betts

Tanner Pearson
Barrie Colts, OHL

Position:	LW	Shoots:	Left
Height:	6'0"	Born:	10-Aug-92
Weight:	198	Hometown:	Kitchener, ONT

2011-12	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
Barrie	60	37	54	91	37

Mike Winther
Prince Albert Raiders, WHL

Position:	C	Shoots:	Left
Height:	5'11"	Born:	9-Jul-94
Weight:	175	Hometown:	Trochu, AB

2011-12	GP	G	A	P	PIM
Prince Albert	71	32	24	56	59

Tanner Pearson is one of the rare players who went undrafted through two years of eligibility for the NHL Entry Draft, yet is all but a lock to go in one of the first three rounds this time around. Pearson ranked third in the OHL with 91 points this past season, more than doubling his previous season’s total of 42, leading the Colts to third place in the Eastern Conference. Pearson also made his mark in the 2012 World Junior Championships with six points in six games for Team Canada. The numbers show that Pearson has developed a strong offensive touch and scouts even took notice of his two-way ability at the World Juniors.

Mike Winther led the Prince Albert Raiders with 32 goals this past season. He was also one of just 40 players to play in the 2012 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, eligible to players from the WHL, OHL and QMJHL. The 5’11”, 175-pound center has been praised for his work ethic and two-way ability and has even been named the top WHL forward eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft by TSN’s Craig Button.

Ryan Strome, Islanders first round pick in 2011
Tanner Pearson was my teammate at the World Juniors. He has a heck of a shot and can shoot the puck real hard. He had a pretty good year this year, and he’s pretty dangerous in the scoring areas.

Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development
Pearson really took his game to another level this year. He has creative instincts, and showed an ability to both score goals and make plays.

Brenden Kichton, Islanders prospect
Mike Winther has a pretty good shot, and is a good skater. He competes hard and scores quite a few goals.

Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development
Winther is a versatile player in that he can play different roles on the ice. He can shoot and score, create chances and also play a physical role.

Click here for Islanders 2012 Draft Central's breakdown of the top-50 players available in this year's draft.

Tanner Pearson (left) of the Barrie Colts and Mike Winther (right) of the Prince Albert Raiders are the #36 and #35 ranked draft prospects.

Edmonton Oilers
2.

Columbus Blue Jackets
3.

Montreal Canadiens
4.

New York Islanders
5.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Round 1 - 4th overall
Round 2 - 34th overall
Round 2 - 50th overall
Round 3 - 65th overall
Round 4 - 103rd overall (from BUF)
Round 5 - 125th overall
Round 6 - 155th overall
Round 7 - 185th overall

Islanders last five first-round picks
2011: Ryan Strome (5th overall)
2010: Nino Niederreiter (5th overall)
2009: John Tavares (1st overall)
2008: Josh Bailey (9th overall)
2006: Kyle Okposo (7th overall)

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