With all of the additions the Islanders have made this off-season (Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin) and a host of young players who seemingly are ready for NHL ice-time, McDonald could be fighting for his job in training camp. He is a fourth-line player who doesn't offer much offensive upside and could find himself on the cutting room floor before final rosters are due. If he were to make the team it could be as the 13th forward, spending much of his time in the press box.
McDonald was a pleasant surprise for the Islanders last season, netting seven goals and 17 points in 45 games. If he can continue to post those kinds of numbers this season, he could find himself on the second power-play unit at a minimum, and eventually even challenge Travis Hamonic for his spot on the top unit.
McDonald was in the Penguins organization last year and joins the Islanders where he should have a better chance to crack the starting lineup. He's been solid in the AHL the last two years with 107 points over 148 games. He will need a strong camp to make the team but should have as good a chance as any other bottom six forward.
The 27-year-old McDonald never scored more than 12 goals in the AHL before potting 42 in 80 games with Oklahoma City in 2010-11. Even so, the Oilers decided to cut ties with their No. 2, 2003 draft choice after the season. There's a chance he wows the team at training camp, but most likely he'll serve as a depth forward who could come up to Pittsburgh for brief stint during the season.
McDonald, a former second-rounder, will likely continue to play in the AHL this season. He still has some offensive potential, but that could be still a year or two away.
Only scored one point on the top line for the Springfield Falcons of the AHL. At this point he will need at least another season in the AHL.
McDonald has a decent skill set, but unfortunately there are more talented forwards in the organization. He defintely needs more time to develop, so expect him to play out the season in the AHL.
McDonald is expected to return to Providence College in Fall, 2006.
McDonald has some skill offensively, and he's not afraid to crash the net or the boards. He'll call Providence of the NCAA home again this year, so don't expect to see him in the NHL just yet.
