Mike and Dan catch up with NHL.com editor and all around Islanders luminary Brian Compton and remember Michael Dal Colle, a high first round pick who took the long road to become a fine defensive forward.

With a pedigree that included bushels of goals and a Memorial Cup, Dal Colle seemed like the perfect pick for the still building Islanders. But before he could take his place on John Tavares’s wing, the young forward would experience a series of demoralizing setbacks. Whether it was injuries, getting cut from Team Canada or frustrating slumps, Dal Colle just couldn’t catch a break for years. Then a funny thing happened: he emerged from the minors as a defensive wizard, helping lock down other teams and playing a key role in the Islanders two recent semifinal seasons (albeit mostly in the regular season).

Compton walks us through his interactions with Dal Colle during his time covering the Islanders, and tells us what Dal Colle was expected to be and how he changed his game over time. We also talk about how Dal Colle’s family played a huge role in his story, which is still ongoing as he tours Europe on a number of teams.

Thanks again to BComp for coming on. While he’s not on the Islanders everyday beat anymore, his presence and influence is still all over Islanders Twitter, blogs and podcasts. And yes, the Mets are still ruining his life.

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