Former No. 5 Overall Pick Signs Overseas... Again

A lot of great things were expected after he was selected by the New York Islanders with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. But things didn't go as expected for Michael Dal Colle.

After five unsuccessful seasons on Long Island (and their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport), the Isles cut ties with their former top prospect last summer, and he signed this past season to play in Finland. Now, he's decided to stay overseas, signing a deal for the 2023-24 season with the German side Iserlohn Roosters.

Either Michael Dal Colle just signed to play in Germany or he agreed to tap the 1st keg at Oktoberfest this fall. #Isles https://t.co/IPs7qf3XKB
— Pucks N Ponies (@poniesNpucks) July 27, 2023

"Michael didn't quite live up to the high expectations that were placed in him after the draft at the beginning of his pro career and has often played in roles in North America where his scoring touch didn't fully develop," explained the Roosters' sporting director Christian Hommel. "It's a testament to his attitude and fighting spirit that he still spent a total of seven years organizing with the Islanders and played in over 100 NHL games. Coupled with his great potential, this makes him a very interesting player who fits perfectly into the profile we were looking for."

Now 27, Dal Colle registered 19 points in 36 games with the Finnish club TPS Turku.

"The transition to going to Europe took a while last season. But now I'm very happy to have the opportunity to play in a top European league with the Roosters in the coming season," says Dal Colle.

In 112 NHL games, he managed just eight goals and 21 points. His best season with the Islanders was back in 2019-20, when he reached 10 points in 53 games.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports