Marcus Gidlöf – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #11

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:42:03 +0000

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 20: Boston University Terriers forward Cole Eiserman (34) looks on during the Hockey East semifinal game between the Boston University Terriers and the UConn Huskies on March 20, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 11th (May 2025 - 21st)
GM: Mathieu Darche Hired: May 2025
COACH: Patrick Roy Hired: January 2024

Jumping up ten spots is the New York Islanders, which significantly reshaped their prospect pool and hopefully the future of the organization.

They headlined the off-season by trading top defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for back-to-back picks at 15th and 16th in the 2025 draft. After already landing their new franchise blueliner, Matthew Schaefer, with the first overall pick, the Islanders used those mid-round slots to select Victor Eklund and throwback-style defender Kashawn Aitcheson. They also added high-regarded second-rounder Daniil Prokhorov.

Those names are in addition to adding an already high-caliber youngster in Calum Ritchie. Rarely do teams land a top-tier prospect in exchange for a rental player, yet that’s exactly what happened when the Isles acquired Ritchie from Colorado for long-time Islander Brock Nelson.

Ritchie brings slick hands, elite hockey sense, and a track record of production, finishing his OHL career with 254 points in 221 games for Oshawa. He’ll eventually join forces with Cole Eiserman, the sharpshooting Boston University freshman who scored 25 goals, earned Hockey East All-Rookie Team honours, and won gold at the World Juniors. Eiserman is set to return to school for his sophomore season, but the potential of a Ritchie–Eiserman tandem gives the Islanders a legitimate offensive foundation for the future.

Supporting that core is a trio of defensive prospects—Isaiah George, Calle Odelius, and Jesse Pulkkinen—currently developing in the AHL with Bridgeport.

With Lou Lamoriello stepping aside, the Islanders enter uncharted territory under Mathieu Darche. The NHL roster’s middling performance suggests a retool is in order, and the influx of high-end young talent this year represents a promising first step.

New York Islanders Top-15 Prospects

1 - Matthew Schaefer

Everyone’s favourite story from this past year saw the Isles draft Schaefer first overall. A mature young man, Schaefer was selected first despite missing a significant portion of the year due to a collarbone injury. The reason for that is that Schaefer is the complete package. He’s an elite skater and processor who impacts the game in so many different ways. He’s also the kind of player who oozes leadership qualities and could, one day soon, wear a letter for the Islanders. A potential top pairing defender and minute muncher, Schaefer will attempt to make the Islanders roster this year or he will return to the OHL after signing his ELC. A return to junior hockey might not be a bad thing for his development considering how little he played last season. This would allow him to build up strength and confidence before making that jump to the show. Don’t worry, Islanders’ fans, you won’t have to wait long for Schaefer to make an impact.

2 - Cole Eiserman

Eiserman’s progression over the season showed notable growth in engagement and consistency in his game. Early in the season he displayed inconsistent effort, lack of defensive commitment, and limited puck support, often disengaged without contributing in all three zones. However, as the season progressed, he demonstrated increased physical presence, stronger puck protection, and a more competitive forecheck. His offensive strengths remained a consistent theme, with a quick release, powerful shot, and strong net-front presence. Eiserman excels as a shoot-first offensive forward with solid skating, puck handling, and net-front scoring ability. His quick release and shot accuracy are his most valuable assets. Weaknesses wise, his effort and defensive responsibility remain inconsistent. Eiserman projects as a top six scoring winger with powerplay upside. Continued improvements in compete level and decision making will be very important for his game to transition well to the pro level.

3 - Victor Eklund

The speedy, energetic Eklund immediately becomes one of the Islanders best prospects after falling into their laps at 16th overall. The young Swedish winger should endear himself to Isles fans in no time at all. He’s a total spark plug. He skates like the wind, his processing speed is excellent, and his motor never stops. He’s so slippery along the wall and makes plays from the boards to the middle with ease. He can fill the net with his laser of a shot as well. Although he’s on the smaller side, Eklund is a bulldog who plays bigger than he is. He will have to bulk up and get some seasoning against better competition before he’s considered NHL ready, however. After tearing up the HockeyAllsvenskan and helping his team secure SHL promotion, Eklund will have the chance to do so. He should assume a top six role with Djurgården and will most likely slot into the Isles top nine when he makes the jump across the pond. If all goes well, Eklund could be a 20+ goal scoring winger at the NHL level.

4 - Calum Ritchie

Acquired from Colorado for Brock Nelson, Ritchie joins a very quickly revamped Islanders’ prospect group. Last season, he cracked the Avalanche opening night roster and even scored his first NHL goal in one of the seven games he appeared in. Upon returning to Oshawa, Ritchie was generally a standout for the Generals, although you could probably make an argument that his game didn’t take a huge leap forward this past year. He was more aggressive in playing through the middle and getting to the net, but he’s still not shooting the puck enough and his defensive metrics took a bit of a step backward. Ritchie is at his best when he’s dictating pace with the puck on his stick because of how skilled a playmaker he is. He is excellent at drawing in pressure before finding open passing lanes; he’s poised beyond his years. Yet, Colorado was obviously concerned about the lack of urgency in his game at times, so hopefully the Islanders’ organization can bring out the best in him. At this point, you’re probably looking at something similar to what Dylan Strome has become, which is a valuable secondary offensive option.

5 - Kashawn Aitcheson

A true throwback, Aitcheson was one of three first-round selections by the Islanders in 2025 as they attempt to re-tool after the Lou Lamoriello era. The Barrie Colt defender is a feared and ferocious physical player. He also took massive steps forward this past season as an offensive player, emerging as one of the OHL’s elite two-way defenceman. He creates a lot of his offence from his booming point shot and off puck activation, which could make him a weapon on the power play at the NHL level eventually. As Aitcheson returns to the OHL for likely his final season, the focus for him will be to continue to build upon his two-way ability, while tightening up his decision making in the defensive end to become a true stalwart. He projects as a versatile second pairing defender who can be the kind of defender you want in your lineup come playoff time. There is a very real chance that he cracks the 30-goal plateau in the OHL this upcoming season, and that’s a milestone few junior defenders have hit recently.

6 - Isaiah George

Isaiah George was particularly impressive last season, but not just because he was a first-year pro. George was so impressive because he was thrust into a prominent NHL role very early on during his pro career, and this was unexpected by many people because of his pedigree as a later-round NHL draft pick. With that being said, George was extremely impressive in big minutes for the Islanders, and he also played quite well as a smart, strong-skating defender for a very poor Bridgeport Islanders team. Like it is for any first-year pro, last season presented its own growing pains, as George had to learn to defend against NHL-calibre players a bit on the fly, but his foundation dating back to his time with the London Knights is very strong. George looks like he has all the tools to develop into a bona fide top four defenceman that can drive the play in both the offensive and defensive zones, and he should become a full-time member of the New York Islanders’ blueline this upcoming season.

7 - Maxim Shabanov

Shabanov is the latest in a long line of undrafted Russian players who developed in the KHL and earned a chance to prove themselves at the top level. After dominating the past few seasons in Chelyabinsk, the Islanders were eager to snatch him up and pair him with Tsypaklov for a talented scoring duo. He is a speedy forward with smooth hands and a quick release. He has a knack for finding pucks and creating looks without wasting a second. He is a dual threat offensive talent with the ability to create with his passing and wristshot. Maxim’s biggest challenge will be overcoming his lack of size, but he possesses the speed and skill to give him a real shot with the Isles. Expect him to slot in as a top six forward with a real chance to improve the team's scoring potential.

8 - Daniil Prokhorov

Daniil Prokhorov was one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects from this past year's draft class. His size and highlight reel goals off the rush made him a star in many scouts' eyes. He pushes up ice with pace and has a knack for faking out defenders with skilled dekes. He has a heavy shot and can pick corners well when firing off the rush. Lots of work needs to be put in to reach the next level. His skating needs a lot of work mechanically to keep up with the speed and agility of the NHL. He also needs to work on becoming more competitive in battles for the puck. As a second-round pick, Prokhorov is a good bet to make. Lots of time will need to be put in but a high ceiling as a top six winger makes the risk worthwhile.

9 - Danny Nelson

Danny Nelson was a second-round pick by the Islanders in 2023, and though he won’t blow anyone away with his counting stats, has a two-way skill set that could make him a very valuable piece of the future on Long Island. The 6-foot-3 centerman has been a workhorse for Notre Dame in his collegiate career, being leaned upon in all situations. Nelson is a good skater, has some skill, and has a shot that is a threat in the offensive zone, but what really sets him apart is his high motor and his ability to use his size to win puck battles and create space. His play isn’t flashy, but his versatility and dependability could make him a fan favourite before long. Nelson profiles as an energetic bottom six NHL center who can kill penalties, play with grit, and chip in some secondary scoring. He is heading back to Notre Dame this season.

10 - Luca Romano

Speed and pace are the name of the game for Romano currently. He loves to play the game at a breakneck pace and is consistently looking to use his speed to attack the offensive zone. A lack of size and consistency drove him down draft boards, but a lot of that can be attributed to a lack of strength and a need to improve his conditioning. As he matures physically, his two-way game and off puck play could actually become a strength and may be the key to his future NHL success. He’ll need to develop into a versatile and competitive player to be a long time NHL forward at his size. This is especially true considering that he doesn’t possess the creativity or high-end skill to be a big time point producer at the NHL level. As an offensive player, his biggest weapon may just be his shot, so look for him to find ways to be a more consistent scorer this year with the Kitchener Rangers. A long-term project, the Islanders will be patient with Romano, who may just be the kind of player who might benefit from the new NCAA eligibility rules.

11 - Marcus Gidlof

It was quite the season for the tall, well-schooled goalie. Despite many backers his draft year, few saw him not only making the SHL this season but becoming a 1B starter of sorts for Leksands. His 11 wins in 17 SHL outings, WJC gold medal game performance, 14-4 U20 league record, and outstanding 2-0 record with a .980 save percentage to cap off Djurgarden’s historic promotion to the SHL all have him lined up as one to watch moving forward.

12 - Quinn Finley

Finley has become a sneaky good NHL prospect, displaying strong creative instincts, a deft stick, and sly shot-release motions. A bit on the light side, Finley can prance in and out of lanes and plays with a deceptive nonchalance, often a step ahead of the play. In his just concluded sophomore season, he more than doubled his total output from the year before, leading Wisconsin in scoring. Islanders brass is felt to hold him in high regard.

13 - Kamil Bednarik

After enjoying a fantastic 95-point draft year with the USNTDP, including solid contributions to a U18 Worlds gold medal, Bednarik stepped into BU’s line-up this past season and promptly became one of coach Jay Pandolfo’s key faceoff and shutdown situation specialists. Despite getting the bulk of the defensive responsibility in key situations right on into the national championship game, Bednarik also managed to finish seventh on the team in assists. Look for his TOI to increase this winter.

14 - Jesse Pulkkinen

Pulkkinen presents surprisingly solid agility and mobility for a 6-foot-6 defenceman and that’ll need to be his calling card moving forward. Last season, he showed little Liiga-play progress vis-a-vis his overage draft year, putting up comparable stats in nine more games. He then concluded the year with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL, where his -8 plus-minus in 10 games fit right in with the league-worst outfit. It’s time for the talented Pulkkinen to take the next step.

15 - Calle Odelius

After missing the vast majority of the 2023-24 season, Odelius was thrown into the deep end for the tire fire that was the Bridgeport Islanders last year. To his credit, his -34 plus-minus had as much to do with the whole team’s results as the difficulties of being a young AHL rookie. A fluid skating defenceman who can make slick breakout passes, the hope is that Odelius’ sophomore year in AHL will have him showing more routine and improved puck-protection.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #21 NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Fri, 23 May 2025 12:21:30 +0000

PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Cole Eiserman is drafted by the New York Islanders in the first round during the Upper Deck NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)

Subscribers can download the PDF in subscriber downloads.

Please note you can scroll through the PDF document here as well

NY Islanders 25 Prospects

NHL PROSPECTS: Top five drafted prospects in Europe

Chapin Landvogt — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:43:02 +0000

The 24-25 season has played host to a number of European draft picks making some real noise in leagues across the continent. Whereas the top five draft picks on the European side of the pond was a relatively clear story in recent years, a good dozen players threw their names in the hat to claim a spot in the following list this season. In addition, some of our honorable mentions here not only would have been on those recent lists, but a couple actually were also (we’re looking at you, messers Nikishin and Sandin-Pellikka)!

Long story short, the NHL teams who own these players’ rights have a whole lot to look forward to.

Of course, as nice a season as the following players have had, it’s up to them to take the next step!

Ivan Demidov - RW/C - KHL - Montreal Canadians 1st rounder in 2024

Sure, there was plenty of fanfare about Demidov at last summer’s draft and the seemingly typical unknowns with respect to his status as a Russian prospect moving forward. In Demidov’s case, his draft year was basically spent in the MHL junior circuit and as dominating as his stats there were, such a measuring stick is laden with uncertainty. A Montreal organization that has done plenty of drafting over the past half decade had no qualms in selecting him fifth overall and welp, it looks like they’ve got a player who may one day end up being among the top three to come out of this draft. He’s only proceeded to spend the entire 24-25 season playing for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL and it’s been beautiful. 49 points and a +17 in 63 regular season games has been absolutely outstanding for any player at the age of 18/19 in his rookie pro season, but it’s been accompanied by no lack of highlights and flashes of brilliance along the way. His current KHL contract ends this spring once the playoffs have concluded, so the expectation is that we’ll see him in North America next fall. The leaguewide excitement is warranted and considerable, to say the least.

He (91) can rip it!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-DEMIDOV-ska_st._petersburg_5_6_cska_moskva_-_12.25_-_3rd_period_23_43_-_23_53.mp4

He can dish it off!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-DEMIDOV-ivan_demidov_-_1st_period_25_50_-_26_0.mp4

Dmitri Buchelnikov - LW - KHL - Detroit Red Wings 2nd rounder in 2022

When Buchelnikov was drafted, he was one of those picks that was very intriguing but clouded by uncertainty among world events and in light of his incredible draft year stats coming entirely in the Russian MHL. Where have we heard that before? Well, Buchelnikov followed his strong draft year with a noticeable VHL season before becoming a KHL regular on loan last season, putting up 29 points in the process. That strong step has turned into a monster 24-25 season in which the 21-year-old has accumulated 51 points in 62 KHL games, mostly on the strength of 36 assists, becoming a key powerplay quarterback in the process. Shifty and slick with the puck, Buchelnikov has the kind of game-reading smarts that rarely see him make a poor decision with the puck while also being able to make timely passes and throw absolute darts on goal at any given time. Detroit will need to wait another year, but the Red Wings could have another ready-made youngster coming into the fray as of the summer of 2026.

He (72) can rip it!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-dmitri_buchelnikov_-_2nd_period_20_0_-_20_10.mp4

He can dish it off!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-dmitri_buchelnikov_-_2nd_period_20_0_-_20_10.mp4

Lenni Hämeenaho - RW - Liiga - New Jersey Devils 2nd rounder in 2023

Hämeenaho has been one of these players who just continues to produce wherever he plays and in whatever environment. He’s been ready-made for a power play role at every step of his development in the last half dozen years and neither his size nor tools have ever really been brought into question with respect to their projectability. He was a regular Liiga player in his draft year and now he’s one of the guys at the top of his team’s scoring list. He’s just continued to produce throughout the season, now at 20-31-51 in 58 games, even turning things up a notch with nine points in his final 10 regular season games. Little stands in the way of him signing his ELC this summer and joining a New Jersey Devils team that can realistically hope that it has another Jesper Bratt style impact player on its hands.

He (29) can rip it!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-lenni_hameenaho_-_2nd_period_21_59_-_22_9.mp4

He can dish it off!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-lenni_hameenaho_-_2nd_period_23_16_-_23_26.mp4

He can even run with it…

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-lenni_hameenaho_-_2nd_period_16_53_-_17_3.mp4

Jesse Kiiskinen - C - Liiga - Detroit Red Wings (by trade) 3rd rounder in 2023

Another Red Wings prospect, albeit a Nashville pick from 2023 that Steve Yzerman traded for, Kiiskinen has absolutely exploded this season, becoming his team’s top scorer. Eyebrows were raised with 10 Liiga points in his DY+1, but nobody would have seen him putting up 14-30-44 and +6 numbers in his DY+2. But that’s exactly what he did! The crafty righty shot whose game just keeps getting slicker might have had even better numbers if he hadn’t been a key component for an upstart silver medal WJC squad for which he went 6-1-7 in 7 contests. In short, it’s been a phenomenal season and word is, he’s even getting consideration for the men’s WC this spring. As always, Finland has plenty of players to pick from but what doesn’t seem to be in question is Kiiskinen’s near future. An ELC is all but in the bag and even if he’s given another year in Europe, he clearly looks like he has the offensive skills and wherewithal to put his name on the NHL map within the next three seasons.

He can rip it!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-jesse_kiiskinen_-_3rd_period_17_14_-_17_24.mp4

He (38) can dish it off!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-jesse_kiiskinen_-_1st_period_4_47_-_4_57.mp4

Oliver Kapanen - C - SHL - Montreal Canadiens 2nd rounder in 2021

Kapanen spent a whole lot of time with the Canadiens last fall, even suiting up for 12 games (2 assists) before being loaned out to the Olli Jokinen-coached Timra squad in the Swedish SHL, where he then proceeded to take the league by storm. To be clear, his 27- and then 34-point seasons in Liiga play the previous two years where strong indicators about where things were headed for this 21-year-old, but finishing this season with 15 goals and 35 points in 36 games, including five points in the final two games of the season was nothing short of an attest to where he’s at and how close he is to contributing at the NHL level. Strong on the face-off and opportunistic throughout the offensive zone, it’s hard to imagine Kapanen outside of North America next season. There are NHL teams for whom Kapanen could easily be seen as the top prospect at this very moment.

He (89) can snipe it!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-oliver_kapanen_-_1st_period_30_4_-_30_14.mp4

He can dish it off!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-oliver_kapanen_-_3rd_period_15_51_-_16_1.mp4

He’s got face-off game…

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-oliver_kapanen_-_3rd_period_20_8_-_20_18.mp4

Honorable mention:

Nikita Artamanov - RW - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 2nd rounder in 2024

We all knew he was good last season, putting up 23 points in 54 KHL games as an 18-year-old. Impressive! That wasn’t sexy enough to make him a first-round pick but seeing him jump from seven to 22 goals (38 points thus far) this season sure makes him feel like a first rounder now.

Semyon Chistyakov - D - KHL - Nashville Predators 4th rounder in 2019

The Predators have always been able to find defensive gems in the draft and after next season, Chistyakov will likely count as yet another. We’ve liked him for years now, but his career high 17 goals, 38 points, and +28 have put him in a whole new light at this point.

Simon Forsmark - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 4th rounder in 2022

Goodness, Carolina sure knows how to pick them. Good-sized defenseman increased his output with even more responsibility this season. Just the type of player you hope to hit on in the middle rounds.

Artyom Galimov - LW - KHL - Anaheim Ducks 5th rounder in 2020

Some might say he’s the top draftee in all of Europe. After all, he’s got 35-24-59 and +30 in 65 KHL games this season. That puts him way up there in league scoring. However, he is already 25 and only really exploded this season, even if in a big way. What comes next?

Marcus Gidlöf - G - SHL - New York Islanders 5th rounder in 2024

We liked him a lot as a midrounder with strong upside last summer. Alas, even we didn’t see him turning into a late-season SHL starter and putting up some of the most solid numbers in the league. Throw in Gamzin (KHL) and the Islanders suddenly have some interesting goaltending options.

Samuel Jonsson - G - HockeyAllsvenskan - Edmonton Oilers 5th rounder in 2022

Just 21, the 6-foot-5 netminder is killing it for HA contender Karlskoga, (somewhat) coming out of nowhere with a 17-6 record and 1.88 GAA. Now we’ll see if he becomes the go-to guy in the playoffs.

Vitali Kravtsov - RW/LW - KHL - Vancouver Canuck (Rangers) 1st rounder in 2018

It’s taken a good long while, but Kravtsov has finally put in a season that has him firmly entrenched as a “scorer”, albeit in the KHL. 27 goals, 55 points, and a +28 are all career highs. So, uh, is he heading back to North America? His KHL contract is up...

Viljami Marjala - C/LW - Liiga - Buffalo Sabres 5th rounder in 2021

Several decent, but unspectacular seasons in the QMJHL have turned into two straight solid Liiga seasons and he’s just 22 now. Only eight goals this year, but 51 points! A top Liiga playmaker.

Vadim Moroz - LW/RW - KHL - Utah HC 3rd rounder in 2023

The good-sized Belarussian winger had two decent KHL seasons as an uncertain lower line player for a struggling Dinamo Minsk. Now he’s tearing things apart with 25 goals and 42 points. The +17 looks good too. And he’s just 21. Nice!

Ilya Nabokov - G - KHL - Colorado Avalanche 2nd rounder in 2024

Already an overage sensation last summer, Nabokov has done nothing other than double down on his potential with a 23-16 season featuring a 2.16 GAA and .925 SV%. Granted, those are fairly “pedestrian” technical stats in the KHL, but he’s a gamer and a winner.

Alexander Nikishin - D - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 3rd rounder in 2020

It’s basically groundhog day again this year, even if Nikishin’s numbers are a wee bit lower than in seasons before. Of course, he’s second in KHL scoring among defensemen and his 17 goals are tied for first, so there’s that. The SKA Saint Pete’s captain is as NHL-ready as they come.

Joel Nyström - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 7th rounder in 2021

Has arrived as a full-fledged SHL defenseman for a contender this season, putting up six goals and 27 points in the regular season. Hardly surprising that another Carolina pick is establishing himself as a possible NHL defenseman despite being a seventh round pick.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka - D - SHL - Detroit Red Wings 1st rounder in 2023

Kicked off the season with one highlight reel after another. 12 goals and 29 points is some solid blueline work for an SHL teenager. Had bouts with consistency and was good, but not overly dominant at the WJC. Still a dreamy prospect with a possibly special NHL future.

Arno Tiefensee - G - DEL - Dallas Stars 5th rounder in 2023

In a bad season for DEL goalie stats, Tiefensee is near the top across the board in most categories and the clear #1 for his Mannheim team. Brutally strong numbers and six wins in his final 10 starts to the season have folks excited in Mannheim now that it’s playoff time!

Zemyon Vyazoyov - G - KHL - Seattle Kraken 6th rounder in 2021

Second in the KHL with a 1.86 GAA and second overall with a .936 SV%. He’s taken a big step this year with a winning record, even if he’s still just a 1b for his team.

Yegor Zavragin - G - KHL - Philadelphia Flyers 3rd rounder in 2023

Zavragin is just 19 and already a full-fledged starter at the KHL - for a winner, no less. Looks like good things are ahead for the growing goaltender.

Other notables:

Zakhar Bardakov (COL, KHL), Maxim Berezkin (EDM, KHL), Henrik Borgström (WAS, SHL), Alex Chmelevski (SJS, KHL), Liam Dower-Nilsson (DET, HockeyAllsvenskan), Noel Fransen (CAR, HockeyAllsvenskan), Hugo Gabrielson (VAN, HockeyAllsvenskan), Kirill Gerasimyuk (FLA, VHL), Olaf Glifford (FLA, SHL), Vasili Glotov (BUF, KHL), Arseni Gritsyuk (NJD, KHL), Filip Hallander (PIT, SHL), Juha Jatkola (NAS, Liiga), Roman Kantserov (CHI, KHL), Oiva Keskinen (CBJ, Liiga), Bogdan Konyushkov (MTL, KHL), Josef Korenar (UHC, CZE), Rasmus Korhonen (UHC, HockeyAllsvenskan), Yaroslav Korostelyov (SJS, MHL), Matvei Korotky (STL, MHL), Topias Leiponen (BUF, HockeyAllsvenskan), Jakob Malek (NJD, Liiga), Ivan Morozov (VGK, KHL), Felix Nilsson (NAS, SHL), Victor Nörringer (NAS, SWE U20), Ilya Pautov (PHI, MHL), Prokhor Poltapov (BUF, KHL), Daniil Pylenkov (TBL, KHL), Dmitri Rashevsky (WIN, KHL), Vinzenz Rohrer (MTL, NL), Otto Salin (LAK, Liiga), Daniil Savunov (UHC, VHL), Melker Thelin (UHC, HockeyAllsvenskan), Lassi Thomson (OTT, SHL), Victor Söderström (CHI, SHL), Danila Yurov (MIN, KHL)

Marcus Gidlöf – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #11

New York Islanders Top-15 Prospects

1 - Matthew Schaefer

2 - Cole Eiserman

3 - Victor Eklund

4 - Calum Ritchie

5 - Kashawn Aitcheson

6 - Isaiah George

7 - Maxim Shabanov

8 - Daniil Prokhorov

9 - Danny Nelson

10 - Luca Romano

11 - Marcus Gidlof

12 - Quinn Finley

13 - Kamil Bednarik

14 - Jesse Pulkkinen

15 - Calle Odelius

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #21 NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

NHL PROSPECTS: Top five drafted prospects in Europe

Ivan Demidov - RW/C - KHL - Montreal Canadians 1st rounder in 2024

Dmitri Buchelnikov - LW - KHL - Detroit Red Wings 2nd rounder in 2022

Lenni Hämeenaho - RW - Liiga - New Jersey Devils 2nd rounder in 2023

Jesse Kiiskinen - C - Liiga - Detroit Red Wings (by trade) 3rd rounder in 2023

Oliver Kapanen - C - SHL - Montreal Canadiens 2nd rounder in 2021

Honorable mention:

Nikita Artamanov - RW - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 2nd rounder in 2024

Semyon Chistyakov - D - KHL - Nashville Predators 4th rounder in 2019

Simon Forsmark - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 4th rounder in 2022

Artyom Galimov - LW - KHL - Anaheim Ducks 5th rounder in 2020

Marcus Gidlöf - G - SHL - New York Islanders 5th rounder in 2024

Samuel Jonsson - G - HockeyAllsvenskan - Edmonton Oilers 5th rounder in 2022

Vitali Kravtsov - RW/LW - KHL - Vancouver Canuck (Rangers) 1st rounder in 2018

Viljami Marjala - C/LW - Liiga - Buffalo Sabres 5th rounder in 2021

Vadim Moroz - LW/RW - KHL - Utah HC 3rd rounder in 2023

Ilya Nabokov - G - KHL - Colorado Avalanche 2nd rounder in 2024

Alexander Nikishin - D - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 3rd rounder in 2020

Joel Nyström - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 7th rounder in 2021

Axel Sandin-Pellikka - D - SHL - Detroit Red Wings 1st rounder in 2023

Arno Tiefensee - G - DEL - Dallas Stars 5th rounder in 2023

Zemyon Vyazoyov - G - KHL - Seattle Kraken 6th rounder in 2021

Yegor Zavragin - G - KHL - Philadelphia Flyers 3rd rounder in 2023

Other notables: