Former fifth-overall pick signs contract in Germany

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Cooper Godin
July 27, 2023 (3:43 PM)

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In 2022, the New York Islanders had a tough decision to make when it came to their restricted free agents and who to issue qualifying offers to. One of the names that didn't receive a qualifying offer was former fifth-overall pick Michael Dal Colle.

With options limited in North America, Dal Colle headed to Finland for the 2022-23 season where he suited up for TPS Turku, recording 19 points in 36 games.

Many had been wondering if the 27-year-old was going to return to North America for the 2023-24 campaign, but it appears that Dal Colle will be remaining in Europe for at least one more year.

On Thursday, the Iserlohn Rooster of the DEL, Germany's top division, announced they've signed Dal Colle to a one-year contract.

Note: the following quote is translated from German

"I've worked with great players and coaches during my time organizing the Islanders and learned a lot. I see myself as a two-way striker, but of course I would also like to contribute a certain amount to the scoring. 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," Dal Colle said.

The Woodbridge, Ontario native was with the Islanders organization for seven seasons, but didn't really stick in the NHL full-time, aside from the 2019-20 campaign where he appeared in 53 games. In 112 NHL games, Dal Colle had 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists),18 penalty minutes and was a minus-three.

Source: Iserlohn Roosters