The inspiration: With draftees leaving over the next week for NHL training camps, and a few others who are attending camps at the invitation of several teams, it got me to thinking: if we could influence their decision, what would we say to the team that's holding one of the most prized of all our draft possessions? This is what I came up with.

Dear New York Islanders,

We know you're enjoying the company (and play) of Portland Winterhawk Nino Niederreiter. We did too. That is why I'm writing to you today. You see, we were only just getting to know and appreciate Nino before you drafted him in June. We would like the opportunity to continue doing so before releasing him to you. In fact, I believe that another year of our care, feeding and attention will better prepare him for the NHL and the Islanders.

After all, he's only just now turning 18, and while he is more grown up than many adults twice his age, he still has much to learn off the ice. New York holds many adventures for a young boy his age, including distractions like New York City, too much of just about everything and ravenous fans who are ready to pounce if he makes the slightest misstep. Mature and talented though he is, we all know how easily life and the NHL can chew up and spit out even the best of players. This is why I believe he needs more time to live and learn before we release the most prized of all our draft possessions to you.

Most importantly, we never had the chance to bid Nino farewell properly. My only regret is that if you should choose to keep him, it means that the last time we saw him on our ice was at the end of a losing playoff game 6, huddled in front of the goal with his teammates. If you must keep him, we would still very much like the chance to say goodbye to him properly. Perhaps you would consider loaning him to us on Nino bobblehead night, so that we might do so before returning him safely to you.

In closing, whatever your decision, we ask only that you treat Nino as we have: with great care, much love and the utmost respect. He is our gift to you and we expect you will treat him accordingly.

Yours truly,

Samantha