REPORT: Islanders Set to Sign Top College Free Agent

The New York Islanders kept themselves busy on Thursday night, even after defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime. With college hockey’s season coming to an end for most teams, the Islanders are beginning their yearly kick of bringing in talent.

It’s been a staple under Team President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello to bring in college players. Examples of college players signed by Lamoriello include Grant Hutton, Aidan Fulp, and Travis Mitchell. The Islanders tried to sign Collin Graf last year, but he chose the San Jose Sharks for an easier path to an NHL job.

That all leads to last night. During the emotional affair with the Canadiens, veteran NHL Insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Islanders are closing in on a deal with one of the top college free agents.

Gleb Veremyev, a 21-year-old center for Colorado College, is said to be close to signing with the Islanders. Veremyev is a New Jersey native and just finished his third season at Colorado College.

Who is Gleb Veremyev?

Veremyev is a faceoff specialist. Every scouting report indicates he’s one of the best players in all of college at simply winning face-offs.

He’s shown some serious flashes, recording 15 goals and 28 points as a sophomore last year. However, he struggled this year scoring just nine goals and 17 points over the same amount of games. He’s 6’4 and plays a very responsible two-way game, something that the Islanders value highly.

He took part in the Boston Bruins Developmental Camp last summer but did not sign with the organization. According to Seravalli, Boston was one of the teams in on him.

His ceiling is a strong bottom-six center with weight and some skill, while his faceoff abilities make him particularly valuable for possession. He describes himself as a true power forward, who loves to forecheck and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work.

He joins Max Dorrington as a college signing. Dorrington, 23, scored 12 goals and 22 points in 38 games with Sacred Heart this season. He played his four previous seasons with St. Lawrence University. Dorrington signed an ATO (amateur tryout agreement) with the Bridgeport Islanders on Friday morning.