Ruslan Iskhakov – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:22:26 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first, this ranking, follows the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Our team of 16 scouts are based in key markets around the world, in the rinks, supported by video scouting. They utilize some terrific tools from Hudl/InStat, which can isolate so many aspects of a player’s game, along with proprietary statistics. They spend countless hours in rinks and in front of screens and are deeply familiar with these players and their progression. Our management team of Brock Otten (Director of Scouting) and Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting/Senior Western Regional Scout), along with Video Scouting Coordinator, Josh Bell, will take the teams input and finalize the list you see below. Brock, Derek and Josh are responsible for the player write-ups in the Prospect Guide.

The organizational rankings are based on an algorithm that takes into account how many prospects are ranked within the top 200. The teams are broken down by the number of prospects in our top 1 -25, 26 - 50, 51 - 100, and 101 - 200. A weight is attached to each group and then some subjective tweaking is done based on our knowledge of the players. There can be a wider discrepancy in the top 25 group than the latter groupings that needs to be taken into account.

Here is our definition of an NHL prospect: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in one season (25 for goalies).

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft. We are releasing out top 30 NHL Prospects free to non-subscribers. If you want to learn more, link here.

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

Here is an excerpt of Brock Otten's Risers and Fallers article from the magazine to give you more perspective and a little taste of our content.

The best part of scouting is the somewhat unpredictable nature of human development. Some players improve dramatically from one year to the next…others do not. When we compare the rankings from our 2023-24 NHL Yearbook (where we did a Top 300 prospect ranking) to now, these are the players who have risen/fallen the most.

Risers

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 22: Dallas Stars center Logan Stankoven (11) reacts to a goal score during game one of the Western Conference First Round between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 22, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Stankoven’s jump from one of the best players in the WHL to one of the best players in the AHL has been impressive. So has his quick start in the NHL.

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Leonard is returning to Boston College after a Championship barely eluded him this year. However, he has proven to be an elite play driver to go with his strong off puck play.

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 11: Look on Montreal Canadiens right wing Joshua Roy (89) during warm-up before the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on February 11, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Roy continues to prove doubters wrong after a terrific AHL season with Laval. His skill set has become so well rounded since being drafted.

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Geekie’s power game from the middle of the ice makes him such an interesting prospect for today’s NHL. His skating continues to improve.

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Bourque emerged as one of the best players in the AHL this season as a sophomore professional. He’s ready to take that next step with the Stars.

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Once thought to be the third wheel on the talented Will Smith/Ryan Leonard threesome, Perreault’s progression as a play driver at Boston College this season has altered the perception that he can be a front-line NHL player.

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Drafting early out of the BCHL has yielded inconsistent results, however Nadeau was exceptional as a freshman at Maine. Did he leave school too early though?

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Firkus took his game to another level this year in his final WHL season, leading the league in scoring. He’s ready to be a pro.

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the most improved players in the NCAA this year, Brindley emerged as a star for the University of Michigan and really altered his projection as a potential top six forward.

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

The dynamic American winger worked hard to fine tune components of his game in Sudbury this year and deserves a bump for improving his consistency.

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Nyman emerged as one of the top goal scorers in Finland this season as a U20 player. This, combined with his strong WJC performance, has helped push him up our board north.

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Mailloux proved to be way more refined at the AHL level than previously perceived. Simply put, he was one of the best defensive prospects in the AHL this year.

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

What a terrific story to the end of the Coyotes franchise. Doan emerged as a potential star this season and finished the year strong in the NHL, scoring in his debut.

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

We still don’t understand how Heidt fell as far as he did in the 2023 draft, however he is proving NHL scouts wrong thus far after a remarkable year with Prince George.

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

The main piece of the Jake Guentzel to Carolina deal, Koivunen emerged as one of the top players in Liiga this year.

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

There was little doubt that Del Mastro’s strong defensive ability would translate to the AHL level well, but he continues to improve offensively and that has altered his projection.

Theo Lindstein (185 to 91) – St. Louis Blues

Lindstein’s strong year for Brynas has helped to elevate his upside as a two-way defender. We may have ranked him too low in our 2023 Draft Rankings.

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

Consistency off the puck and a lack of engagement held Rehkopf back last year. This year marked improvement in those areas helped him emerge as a top offensive talent in the OHL.

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the surprises of the 2023 draft, Cowan set a new OHL record with a 42-game point streak. More than just a high energy guy now, he can be a difference maker offensively.

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

Casey continues to improve in the NCAA. He may not have elite size, but he has everything else, and it has the Devils excited about his future.

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

Fowler compiled a list of accolades as a freshman this year at Boston College, emerging as one of the top goaltending prospects in the game.

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

After starting the year with the Leafs, Minten returned to the WHL and ended up captaining Canada at the World Juniors.

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

A finalist for the Hobey Baker this year, Blake became an NCAA star for North Dakota, and he now turns pro.

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

Acquired by the Kings, Portillo turned pro after three years at Michigan and he was one of the best goaltenders in the AHL as a first-year pro.

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

Dionicio still plays a high risk, high reward game from the back end, but his offensive upside has become too large to ignore.

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

After a mediocre first professional year last season, Bourgault was even more disappointing as a sophomore with Bakersfield. The Oilers just haven’t been developing prospects well in recent years.

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

Sale’s first year in North America did not go according to plan as he struggled to be a consistent impact player in the OHL.

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Perhaps we ranked Rathbone too aggressively this summer, but not only did he fail to earn a spot on Vancouver, but he’s now an NHL after thought after entering Pittsburgh’s organization via trade.

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

Perreault’s off puck play and skating just haven’t improved to the point where he can be a consistent pro and it caused the Ducks to move on from him, trading him to Montreal.

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

Once a highly ranked prospect, Jenik continues to fall. He just hasn’t been able to take that next step and even passed through waivers this year unclaimed.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #30 New York Islanders – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Tue, 28 May 2024 17:13:58 +0000

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 26: New York Islanders Right Wing William Dufour (v56) in action during the National Hockey League Preseason game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers on September 26, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire)

Typically, a prospect pool that ranks near the bottom reflects a team that has been deeply involved in the playoffs for a number of years, with a championship in sight. Lou Lamoriello took over as GM in 2018 and has made one first round pick in the last five years. The key pieces he acquired in the deals remain in the organization hiowever, in Bo Horvat, Alex Romanov and Kyle Palmieri and J.G. Pageau, so not strictly rentals. Lamoriello was quiet on the trade front this season, but the big change that was made was bringing in fiery coach Patrick Roy in January. The team were 13th in the league in win percentage until the end of the season under his leadershop, after ranking in the bottom third prior. He improved the team enough to make a playoff push, when they were finally looking like they might be sellers. The GM stood pat largely, other than adding Robert Bortuzzo, but that could change prior to the draft.

There is not a lot in the system that will make likely make an impact in the near future. Number one prospect, power forward William Dufour, is still likely a year away. Ruslan Iskhakov, Bridgeport’s best player last season, is the only prospect with a realistic shot at the roster next year. There are some good youthful core pieces in Mathew Barzal and Noah Dobson. Romanov is only 24 and elite goalie Ilya Sorokin is only 28. The franchise is likely facing a crossroads, with an aging roster, on what appears to be a borderline playoff team consistently in recent years, rather than a consistent cup contender. The prospect cupboard reflects the latter effort, without the results. Lamouriello and Roy are unlikely to look at rebuilding, after the encouraging finish, so what limited prospect resources available may likely yet move.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	William Dufour	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	`20(152nd)	55	15	10	25	35
2	Ruslan Iskhakov	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	`18(43rd)	69	18	32	50	30
3	Danny Nelson	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	`23(49th)	30	9	14	23	32
4	Calle Odelius	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	`22(65th)	10	0	4	4	2
5	Matt Maggio	RW	21	5-10/185	Bridgeport (AHL)	`22(142nd)	55	15	10	25	35
6	Justin Gill	C	21	6-1/190	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	`23(145th)	65	40	58	98	66
7	Cameron Berg	C	22	6-0/195	North Dakota (NCHC)	`21(125th)	40	20	17	37	8
8	Alex Jefferies	LW	22	6-0/195	Merrimack (HE)	`20(121st)	22	13	10	23	19
9	Quinn Finley	LW	19	6-0/165	Wisconsin (B1G)	`22(78th)	36	10	6	16	16
10	Isaiah George	D	20	6-0/195	London (OHL)	`22(98th)	68	6	24	30	54
11	Tristan Lennox	G	21	6-4/190	Worcester (ECHL)	`21(93rd)	13	5	6	2.94	0.909
12	Eetu Liukas	LW	21	6-2/200	Bridgeport (AHL)	`21(157th)	47	3	4	7	34
13	Jesse Nurmi	LW	19	5-10/165	KooKoo (Fin-Liiga)	`23(113th)	19	0	2	2	2
14	Travis Mitchell	D	24	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	FA(3/23)	34	1	3	4	36
15	Zach Schulz	D	18	6-1/195	Wisconsin (B1G)	`23(177th)	34	2	4	6	6

1. William Dufour, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

The big power forward remains the Islanders top prospect despite a down year in production as an AHL sophomore. However, context is important. Bridgeport is one of the worst and lowest scoring teams in the AHL this year. Despite a decrease in production, Dufour is still second on the Sound Tigers in goals scored and he’s still shown potential as a middle six option. The former QMJHL and Memorial Cup MVP is a real load to handle for defenses as he drives the net, and he has a clear understanding of his role on a scoring line as someone who can clear space and play through the middle. To take that next step as an NHL player, his skating continues to need to improve, something that he has worked hard on since being drafted. He could probably play a depth role next year, but it might make more sense to have him play a third year in the AHL to continue to build up his confidence as an offensive leader.

2. Ruslan Iskhakov, C, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

It seems like Ruslan Iskhakov has been in the Islanders system forever. However, he’s still only turning 24. It’s likely the wacky and wild journey that he has taken along the way that makes it seem that way. Since being drafted he’s gone from the MHL, to the NCAA, to Liiga in Finland, to the DEL in Germany, and now to the AHL. Last year, he was a great secondary scoring piece on a stronger and more veteran laden Bridgeport team. This year, he’s unquestionably become the team’s best player. He’s a truly dynamic offensive player who seems to routinely hit the highlight reels with his dazzling shootout moves and ability to beat defenders one on one. What’s great about Iskhakov’s game and makes him more likely to succeed as an NHL player despite a lack of stature, is that he’s competitive and scrappy. He takes on larger defenders and is far from a perimeter player. Will next season finally be the year that he makes his NHL debut?

3. Danny Nelson, C, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

The team’s first pick in the 2023 NHL Draft is coming off a successful freshman year with Notre Dame. He finished near the top of the team’s scoring chart and was highly effective as a two-way player on a low scoring, defense first Fighting Irish squad. Last year, Nelson rose significantly up the draft rankings late in the year with a great second half and U18’s on a deep NTDP team. A big, power center, he was able to prove that he had more offensive upside than previously thought with his strong offensive finish to the year. He skates well for a heavy pivot and he uses that to his advantage to drive the net and to be a factor in puck pursuit. He shows strong awareness at both ends and already has some great pro-like tendencies in his game. As his development and game continue to tick upwards, the likelihood of him becoming a solid middle six center for the Islanders becomes greater.

4. Calle Odelius, D, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

It has been a tough season on the injury front for the team’s first pick in 2022. Odelius suffered a broken ankle at the end of the 2023 calendar year, and it has been a battle to get back into the thick of things. Limited to only 10 games at the pro level in Sweden with Djurgardens, one could argue that it’s been a lost year of development. Signed by the Islanders, one would think that the plan is for him to play in the AHL next year with Bridgeport. His best asset remains his mobility. An intelligent two-way player, his high-end upside remains a mystery. Due to his strong skating, he has offensive upside as a puck mover, but he has yet to truly unlock that at any level. Additionally, because of his mobility and high IQ, he possesses upside in the defensive end too. Jack-of-all-trade type defenders can be a bit difficult to project and more will be known about his upside and NHL potential once he plays in North America.

5. Matt Maggio, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

The reigning Red Tilson winner from the OHL as the league’s most outstanding player, Matt Maggio virtually came out of nowhere to dominate the CHL a year ago. His first pro season in the AHL has had its ups and downs. He’s been in and out of the lineup a few times with minor injuries and consistency has definitely been lacking. However, he still finished tied for second on the team in goals scored and he’s comfortably inside the top 20 of rookie goal scorers in the league. More shifty than truly quick, Maggio’s focus this offseason will be on continuing to improve his quickness and top speed. Additionally, he’ll look to add strength to help him improve the consistency of his play on and off the puck. But the Islanders have to be happy with the flashes that were shown this year; he has been the best player on the ice in some AHL games. Look for him taking a big step forward next year as an AHL sophomore.

6. Alex Jefferies, LW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Alex Jefferies recently turned pro after four solid years at Merrimack. As a senior, Jefferies battled injuries, but he still managed to lead Merrimack in goals scored for the second straight year. Jefferies is at his best in transition because of his high-end skating ability. Not only is he quick, but he’s great and confident on his edges, making him very difficult to pin down. Deadly on the counterattack, he also plays a high energy game, hunting pucks to earn touches; he uses his skating ability to be a difference maker in all three zones. As an offensive player, he’s equal parts playmaker and goal scorer, but the quick release on his wrist shot might be his best asset. Jefferies will play out next year in Bridgeport after finishing the year strong at the pro level this season.

7. Quinn Finley, LW, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

After being selected in the third round by the Islanders in 2022, Finley decided to play another year in the USHL rather than attend Wisconsin. This was a wise decision as it allowed him to add strength and build up confidence before making the big jump to the NCAA. We saw the importance of that decision this year after his excellent freshman year for the Badgers. Not only was he a key secondary contributor for them, but he played a solid depth role on team USA at the WJC’s, helping them win gold. He has a lot of upside as a goal scorer because of his excellent puck skill and quick release. He can create his own chances through speed and skill, but he also works well as a complementary piece with his ability to find soft spots in coverage and his high-end shooting ability. Wisconsin is on an upward trend as a program again and Finley should be right at the forefront of that over the next few seasons.

8. Justin Gill, C, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

It worked for Matt Maggio, why not for Justin Gill. Both players were drafted in their final year of draft eligibility. Both players were sent back to the CHL for their overage seasons. And just like Maggio, Gill has been phenomenal and one of the league’s top players. Switching to Baie-Comeau this year, He has continued to progress as a terrific two-way center. His game is already very pro ready. He’s excellent in all situations and is one of the top defensive forwards in the QMJHL. He’s also a physical presence who plays a high energy game that is predicated on quick touches and middle lane activation. You name it, he can do it. Is he the most individually skilled or creative pivot? No, and that’s why he’s probably best suited to become a solid bottom six player for the Islanders in the future. However, at this point, Gill looks like a terrific selection by New York and someone who could potentially replace Casey Cizikas in the future.

9. Cameron Berg, C, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

After two somewhat stagnant development years with the University of Nebraska Omaha, Berg hit the transfer portal and landed with North Dakota, a decision that has had a profound impact on his play and projection. He set new career highs in every statistical category and finished third in scoring for UND. The power center does his best work near the crease or in transition. He’ll work for touches along the wall or near the net; it’s cliche but he plays a lot bigger than his average size would indicate. He is also a committed two-way and off puck player. For that reason, he projects as the kind of pro who can be used in any situation. Look for Berg to return to UND for his senior year, where he has a chance to be one of the better offensive players. His projection still remains the same as it was when he was drafted; a quality middle six forward. Yet, after a strong junior year, he seems more likely to reach that upside.

10. Isaiah George, D, London Knights (OHL)

Without a doubt, Isaiah George has to be considered one of the better skating defender prospects on the planet. His four-way movement is so fluid thanks to his crisp edgework and explosive first few strides. It’s truly a sight to behold. However, his offensive skill set never really developed in the OHL the way many anticipated it would. He lacks the high-end skill and creativity to truly take advantage of his skating gift. However, he has developed well as a defensive player. Due to his high-end mobility, his gap control and rush defense are excellent. He’s also really found his confidence as a physical player this past year, something that has elevated his defensive game in coverage. What’s in store for George as a pro? At this point, he looks like he could develop into a solid third pairing type who can bring some versatility. However, he may need time to adjust to the pace of the pro game from a decision-making standpoint.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 25 May 2024 17:02:31 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first is following the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft.

Subscribers can link to the listing here

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17
31	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	20	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	64	21	34	55	38
32	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	20	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	21	2	4	6	6
33	Axel Sandin Pellikka	Det	D	19	5-11/180	Skelleftea (SHL)	39	10	8	18	17
34	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	18	5-10/165	Maine (HE)	37	19	27	46	12
35	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	20	6-0/190	Montreal (NHL)	23	4	5	9	0
36	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	19	5-11/190	Moose Jaw (WHL)	52	17	58	75	31
37	Brayden Yager	Pit	C	19	5-11/165	Moose Jaw (WHL)	57	35	60	95	20
38	Calum Ritchie	Col	C	19	6-2/185	Oshawa (OHL)	50	28	52	80	20
39	Joakim Kemell	Nsh	RW	20	5-10/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	67	16	25	41	23
40	Colby Barlow	Wpg	LW	19	6-0/195	Owen Sound (OHL)	50	40	18	58	27
41	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	19	6-1/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	21	13	34	42
42	Matthew Coronato	Cgy	RW	21	5-10/183	Calgary (NHL)	34	3	6	9	4
43	Frank Nazar	Chi	C	20	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	41	17	24	41	18
44	Riley Heidt	Min	C	19	5-10/180	Prince George (WHL)	66	37	80	117	42
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	21	6-3/215	Laval (AHL)	72	14	33	47	91
46	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	21	6-6/229	Grand Rapids (AHL)	40	22	9	2.41	0.913
47	Jagger Firkus	Sea	RW	20	5-10/155	Moose Jaw (WHL)	63	61	65	126	30
48	Mikhail Gulyayev	Col	D	19	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	64	4	8	12	8
49	Scott Morrow	Car	D	21	6-2/195	Massachusetts (HE)	37	6	24	30	25
50	Matthew Wood	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/195	Connecticut (HE)	35	16	12	28	43
51	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	18	6-2/200	Sudbury (OHL)	53	43	59	102	72
52	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	19	6-1/215	Boston College (HE)	39	32	6	2.14	0.926
53	Fabian Lysell	Bos	RW	21	5-11/181	Providence (AHL)	56	15	35	50	37
54	Shakir Mukhamadullin	SJ	D	22	6-3/180	San Jose (AHL)	55	7	27	34	24
55	Josh Doan	Ari	RW	22	6-1/183	Arizona (NHL)	11	5	4	9	0
56	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	22	5-9/180	San Jose (NHL)	27	6	5	11	18
57	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	19	6-6/233	Rogle (SHL)	29	2	2	4	28
58	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	24	5-10/180	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	42	11	24	35	30
59	Aatu Raty	Van	C	21	6-2/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	72	18	34	52	18
60	Oliver Moore	Chi	C	19	5-11/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	9	24	33	8
61	Samuel Honzek	Cgy	LW	19	6-4/186	Vancouver (WHL)	33	10	21	31	18
62	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	23	5-9/170	Calgary (NHL)	13	1	2	3	2
63	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	20	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	7	38	45	14
64	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	20	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	7	1	2	3	4
65	Chaz Lucius	Wpg	C	20	6-1/185	Manitoba (AHL)	17	2	11	13	6
66	Gavin Brindley	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	25	28	53	28
67	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	18	5-10/170	London (OHL)	54	34	62	96	64
68	Zachary L'Heureux	Nsh	LW	20	5-11/195	Milwaukee (AHL)	66	19	29	48	197
69	Carson Rehkopf	Sea	LW	19	6-1/195	Kitchener (OHL)	60	52	43	95	45
70	Filip Bystedt	SJ	C	20	6-4/205	Linkopings (SHL)	47	8	9	17	2
71	Ville Koivunen	Pit	LW	20	6-0/175	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	59	22	34	56	26
72	Noah Ostlund	Buf	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	38	12	11	23	4
73	Ethan Del Mastro	Chi	D	21	6-4/210	Rockford (AHL)	69	7	30	37	54
74	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	22	5-10/180	Henderson (AHL)	58	4	16	20	33
75	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	20	6-1/200	Farjestads (SHL)	26	12	7	19	12
76	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	21	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	16	1	3	4	6
77	Mackie Samoskevich	Fla	RW	21	5-11/190	Charlotte (AHL)	62	22	32	54	24
78	Stanislav Svozil	CBJ	D	21	6-1/180	Cleveland (AHL)	57	5	18	23	24
79	Zachary Bolduc	StL	LW	21	6-1/175	St. Louis (NHL)	25	5	4	9	6
80	Rutger McGroarty	Wpg	LW	20	6-1/200	Michigan (B1G)	36	16	36	52	6
81	Jani Nyman	Sea	RW	19	6-3/215	Ilves (Fin-Liiga)	48	26	17	43	2
82	Andrew Cristall	Wsh	LW	19	5-9/165	Kelowna (WHL)	62	40	71	111	46
83	Oliver Bonk	Phi	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	60	24	43	67	32
84	Fraser Minten	Tor	C	19	6-1/185	Kam-Sas (WHL)	43	22	26	48	25
85	Tanner Molendyk	Nsh	D	19	5-11/185	Saskatoon (WHL)	50	10	46	56	18
86	David Goyette	Sea	C	20	5-10/175	Sudbury (OHL)	68	40	77	117	29
87	David Edstrom	SJ	C	19	6-3/185	Frolunda (SHL)	44	7	12	19	8
88	Anton Wahlberg	Buf	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	43	5	5	10	4
89	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	22	5-9/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	61	5	27	32	66
90	Trey Augustine	Det	G	19	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	35	23	9	2.96	0.915
91	Theo Lindstein	StL	D	19	6-0/180	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49	4	11	15	4
92	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	23	6-7/195	Belleville (AHL)	32	18	9	2.45	0.916
93	Isak Rosen	Buf	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	67	20	30	50	12
94	Maveric Lamoureux	Ari	D	20	6-7/214	Drummondville (QMJHL)	39	9	24	33	53
95	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	21	6-2/180	Rockford (AHL)	38	18	16	2.65	0.906
96	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	23	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	41	10	17	27	24
97	Carter Mazur	Det	LW	22	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	60	17	20	37	48
98	Otto Stenberg	StL	C	18	5-11/180	Frolunda (SHL)	31	3	3	6	8
99	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	LW	23	6-3/205	Milwaukee (AHL)	56	27	27	54	60
100	Nikita Chibrikov	Wpg	RW	21	5-10/170	Manitoba (AHL)	70	17	30	47	53
101	Zach Dean	StL	C	21	6-0/175	Springfield (AHL)	49	9	5	14	24
102	William Dufour	NYI	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	55	15	10	25	35
103	Sam Rinzel	Chi	D	19	6-4/180	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	26	28	20
104	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	22	6-2/185	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	45	25	12	2.16	0.921
105	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	23	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	50	19	19	38	8
106	Corson Ceulemans	CBJ	D	20	6-2/200	Cleveland (AHL)	47	3	9	12	12
107	Michael Hrabal	Ari	G	19	6-6/209	Massachusetts (HE)	30	16	12	2.59	0.912
108	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	22	5-11/180	Vegas (NHL)	15	2	6	8	2
109	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	20	6-4/180	Swift Current (WHL)	59	7	39	46	35
110	Owen Beck	Mtl	C	20	5-11/185	Pbo-Sag (OHL)	57	34	47	81	18
111	William Wallinder	Det	D	21	6-4/190	Grand Rapids (AHL)	65	3	12	15	10
112	Xavier Bourgault	Edm	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	55	8	12	20	24
113	Jordan Dumais	CBJ	RW	20	5-8/165	Halifax (QMJHL)	21	16	31	47	6
114	Aleksi Heimosalmi	Car	D	20	5-11/170	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	47	2	14	16	12
115	Brandon Bussi	Bos	G	25	6-4/218	Providence (AHL)	41	23	10	2.67	0.913
116	Jackson Blake	Car	RW	20	5-10/160	North Dakota (NCHC)	40	22	38	60	26
117	Erik Portillo	LA	G	23	6-6/210	Ontario (AHL)	39	24	11	2.50	0.918
118	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	22	5-8/175	Laval (AHL)	47	9	19	28	10
119	Kasper Halttunen	SJ	RW	18	6-3/205	London (OHL)	57	32	29	61	61
120	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	22	5-11/165	Toronto (AHL)	68	8	31	39	43
121	Ethan Gauthier	TB	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64	36	35	71	42
122	Daniil Miromanov	Cgy	D	26	6-4/200	VGK-Cgy (NHL)	24	3	4	7	8
123	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	69	18	32	50	30
124	Shai Buium	Det	D	21	6-3/210	Denver (NCHC)	43	7	29	36	14
125	Jakub Dobes	Mtl	G	22	6-3/200	Laval (AHL)	51	24	18	2.93	0.906
126	Oliver Kapanen	Mtl	C	20	6-0/170	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	20	34	32
127	Danny Nelson	NYI	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	30	9	14	23	32
128	Lenni Hameenaho	NJ	RW	19	6-0/175	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	46	14	17	31	10
129	Nick Lardis	Chi	LW	18	5-11/165	Brantford (OHL)	37	29	21	50	12
130	Ty Nelson	Sea	D	20	5-10/195	North Bay (OHL)	54	16	36	52	50
131	Isaac Howard	TB	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	36	8	28	36	10
132	Fyodor Svechkov	Nsh	C	21	6-0/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	57	16	23	39	18
133	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	21	6-1/196	Calgary (AHL)	23	3	10	13	22
134	Reid Schaefer	Nsh	LW	20	6-3/215	Milwaukee (AHL)	63	7	14	21	39
135	Zack Ostapchuk	Ott	C	20	6-3/205	Belleville (AHL)	69	17	11	28	47
136	Nathan Gaucher	Ana	C	20	6-3/207	San Diego (AHL)	72	10	15	25	68
137	Rodwin Dionicio	Ana	D	20	6-2/207	Wsr-Sag (OHL)	60	25	48	73	108
138	Eduard Sale	Sea	LW	19	6-1/170	Bar-Kit (OHL)	49	15	23	38	8
139	Danil Gushchin	SJ	RW	22	5-8/165	San Jose (AHL)	56	20	34	54	24
140	Sean Behrens	Col	D	21	5-10/175	Denver (NCHC)	44	4	27	31	53
141	Christian Kyrou	Dal	D	20	5-10/170	Texas (AHL)	57	8	15	23	22
142	Niklas Kokko	Sea	G	20	6-3/185	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	13	9	0	1.49	0.926
143	Vasily Ponomarev	Pit	C	22	5-10/180	Tuc-Chi-WBS (AHL)	45	9	21	30	16
144	Ryan Winterton	Sea	RW	20	6-2/190	Coachella Valley (AHL)	58	22	13	35	23
145	Dmitri Buchelnikov	Det	LW	20	5-10/165	Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)	55	13	16	29	8
146	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	Sea	C	19	6-0/165	HV 71 (SHL)	50	9	12	21	6
147	Aku Raty	Ari	RW	22	6-1/190	Tucson (AHL)	55	15	29	44	22
148	Matyas Sapovaliv	VGK	C	20	6-3/180	Saginaw (OHL)	54	19	43	62	22
149	Georgii Merkulov	Bos	C	23	5-11/175	Providence (AHL)	67	30	35	65	20
150	Topias Vilen	NJ	D	21	6-1/195	Utica (AHL)	54	2	27	29	16
151	Ryan Chesley	Wsh	D	20	6-0/200	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	6	8	19
152	Jayden Perron	Car	RW	19	5-9/165	North Dakota (NCHC)	39	11	7	18	8
153	Tristen Robins	SJ	C	22	5-10/175	San Jose (AHL)	42	7	11	18	12
154	Calle Odelius	NYI	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	10	0	4	4	2
155	Vincent Iorio	Wsh	D	21	6-2/190	Hershey (AHL)	60	4	10	14	30
156	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	28	22	50	64
157	Ronnie Attard	Phi	D	25	6-3/210	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	48	10	17	27	37
158	Niko Huuhtanen	TB	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	52	19	27	46	46
159	Carson Bjarnason	Phi	G	18	6-3/185	Brandon (WHL)	46	24	17	3.01	0.907
160	Lukas Dragicevic	Sea	D	19	6-1/190	Tri-City (WHL)	66	14	36	50	52
161	Leevi Merilainen	Ott	G	21	6-2/160	Belleville (AHL)	24	10	9	2.87	0.906
162	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	22	6-4/200	Belleville (AHL)	53	5	16	21	51
163	Hunter Brzustewicz	Cgy	D	19	5-11/185	Kitchener (OHL)	67	13	79	92	24
164	Ryan Greene	Chi	C	20	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	40	12	24	36	6
165	Damian Clara	Ana	G	19	6-6/214	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	34	25	8	2.23	0.913
166	Carson Lambos	Min	D	21	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	69	4	10	14	64
167	Denver Barkey	Phi	C	19	5-8/160	London (OHL)	64	35	67	102	28
168	Gage Goncalves	TB	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	69	13	45	58	43
169	Arshdeep Bains	Van	LW	23	6-0/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	59	16	39	55	28
170	Bogdan Konyushkov	Mtl	D	21	5-11/175	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	65	6	22	28	18
171	Alexei Kolosov	Phi	G	22	6-1/185	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	47	22	21	2.39	0.907
172	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	24	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	50	43	19	62	26
173	Filip Mesar	Mtl	C	20	5-9/175	Kitchener (OHL)	45	19	33	52	12
174	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	23	6-3/200	Hartford (AHL)	68	4	17	21	49
175	Adam Engstrom	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	Rogle (SHL)	51	4	18	22	4
176	Michael Buchinger	StL	D	20	5-11/185	Guelph (OHL)	52	10	37	47	37
177	Semyon Chistyakov	Nsh	D	22	5-11/180	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	59	4	20	24	16
178	John Farinacci	Bos	C	23	5-11/197	Providence (AHL)	71	12	26	38	16
179	Angus Crookshank	Ott	LW	24	5-10/180	Belleville (AHL)	50	24	22	46	60
180	Yegor Sidorov	Ana	RW	19	6-0/180	Saskatoon (WHL)	66	50	38	88	66
181	Samu Tuomaala	Phi	RW	21	5-10/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	69	15	28	43	12
182	Logan Morrison	Sea	C	21	6-0/180	Coachella Valley (AHL)	64	16	25	41	4
183	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	21	5-11/175	Colorado (AHL)	26	4	10	14	18
184	Adam Gajan	Chi	G	19	6-3/167	Green Bay (USHL)	43	23	12	3.35	0.893
185	Nolan Allan	Chi	D	21	6-2/195	Rockford (AHL)	60	5	12	17	47
186	Oskar Olausson	Col	RW	21	6-1/180	Colorado (AHL)	39	11	9	20	24
187	Samuel Poulin	Pit	C	23	6-1/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	41	16	15	31	35
188	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	21	5-9/165	Hartford (AHL)	71	25	23	48	62
189	Colton Dach	Chi	C	21	6-4/205	Rockford (AHL)	48	11	15	26	39
190	Jack Thompson	SJ	D	22	6-0/180	Syr-SJ (AHL)	62	6	35	41	16
191	Riley Kidney	Mtl	C	21	5-11/170	Laval (AHL)	65	7	13	20	41
192	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	21	6-3/195	Belleville (AHL)	22	9	11	20	22
193	Carey Terrance	Ana	C	18	6-1/175	Erie (OHL)	56	29	23	52	25
194	Luca Del Bel Belluz	CBJ	C	20	6-1/185	Cleveland (AHL)	58	9	22	31	12
195	Luca Pinelli	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Ottawa (OHL)	68	48	34	82	44
196	Francesco Pinelli	LA	C	21	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	67	13	7	20	24
197	Elias Salomonsson	Wpg	D	19	6-1/185	Skelleftea (SHL)	31	2	9	11	58
198	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	21	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	38	24	19	43	23
199	Sasha Pastujov	Ana	RW	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	46	10	13	23	14
200	Andrew Gibson	Det	D	19	6-3/195	Saul St. Marie (OHL)	68	12	32	44	58

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #28

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:30:44 +0000

ELMONT, NY - JANUARY 28: New York Islanders Right Wing Samuel Bolduc (4) skates with the puck during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Islanders on January 28, 2023, at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Top 20 New York Islander Prospects

1. William Dufour

It was an interesting QMJHL career for Dufour, to say the least. Over his four years in the league, he played with four different teams. That included three before he was even drafted, 152nd overall in 2020. He had a short and strong DY+1 season but his +2 season with the Saint John Sea Dogs was something else altogether. With 116 points and a league-leading 56 goals in 66 games, he was named league MVP and then led the Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup title, also being named MVP for the tournament. Oh, and he found time for a World Junior gold medal in between. Dufour made the jump to the AHL last season, sliding in extremely well and impressing with his production. He has a pro frame which has helped him muscle his way into success at the higher level. His skating has improved, he has a great wrist shot, and his hands are looking softer by the game. There’s middle-six potential here.

2. Samuel Bolduc

One of the best young d-men in the AHL last season, it’s been a slow burn for Bolduc since being drafted 57th overall in 2019. He’s had a slow and steady pace of improvement each season throughout his QMJHL career and now into the AHL, other than 2021-22 - his AHL sophomore season. Thankfully, he made up for that down campaign last season, earning a spot on the NHL roster. All signs are pointing to him graduating from prospectdom sooner rather than later. He plays a consistent, two-way game with excellent mobility, he has a knack for getting in the passing lanes in his end, and he’s shown that he can contribute offensively, especially with his big shot. He looks like a viable bottom-four rearguard right now, but should be able to produce more offense as he gets more settled in the NHL.

3. Ruslan Iskhakov

The path taken by Iskhakov is an case study for why you should never give up on your dream. The Islanders drafted the Russian out of the MHL way back in the 2018 NHL Draft. From there, he joined NCAA University of Connecticut, where he spent two seasons. He then went back overseas, spending a season with TPS in the Liiga before playing a year in the DEL with Adler Mannheim. Iskhakov just wrapped up his third-straight rookie season in a pro league, this time with the AHL Bridgeport Islanders. Even better, he had an excellent season and was among the leaders both on the team and among rookies around the league. While he’s on the smaller side at 5- 8”, 165 pounds, he’s extremely elusive, from his quick hands to his light footwork, and his offensive awareness stands out. He has the skill to be a middle-six contributor but give him some more time in the AHL first.

4. Calle Odelius

Selected 65th overall in the 2022 Draft, Odelius is a bit of a polarizing prospect as some believe he can be a game-breaker, while others lean more toward a depth defender. Depending on the game you watch, you can understand either assessment. The Islanders selected him out of the J20 Nationell, where he had a strong season, earning seven games in the SHL. With Djurgardens being demoted to the HockeyAllsvenskan, he didn’t progress as one would hope, struggling to pop offensively or show development in other areas of the game. When he’s on, he’s a good four-way skater, and solid in his own end, breaking up plays and turning the puck up the other way. He may even end up more defensive leaning as he progresses. He could still surprise, but a depth defender is likely where he ends up.

5. Danny Nelson

For two thirds of the year, Nelson struggled with consistency as his role within the USNTDP team changed repeatedly. After getting his own line with the role of shutdown center in the bottom six and a top penalty killing option, his game and confidence took off. He capped off his draft season with an extremely strong performance at the U18’s in helping the USA take home gold. Nelson is intriguing because of his high floor, strong athletic foundation, and because of his great progression over the course of the season. One of the youngest players eligible in 2023 (with an August birthday), he is already 6- 3”, 200 pounds and his skating ability has already improved considerably. Although his lack of creativity and high-end skill may ultimately make him more of a bottom six player at the NHL level, the opportunity to escape the shadows of Will Smith and Oliver Moore while developing at Notre Dame may bring out the best in him.

6. Matt Maggio

Maggio was one of the many OHLers impacted by the OHL season shutting down due to the pandemic in his draft year. While he already had two seasons of OHL action under his belt, he wanted to get scouts’ eyes on him and headed overseas, playing with Sweden’s SK Lejon in the HockeyEttan. It wasn’t enough though, as he went undrafted. Heading back to the OHL in 2021-22, with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, Maggio took a huge step forward with 85 points. Last season, he took an even bigger jump forward, leading the OHL in goals (54) and points (111). His strength, ability to get into the high-danger areas, and competitiveness have all contributed to this progression. While making it as a pro isn’t a sure thing, these are all aspects that should help him get there as a reliable bottom six player.

7. Otto Koivula

One of the older players still considered a prospect by McKeen’s, Koivula heard his name called back in the 2016 Draft, 120th overall. Islanders’ fans have had to be patient with the forward since then. He was selected out of the U20 SM-liiga, where he helped Ilves to a championship, earning playoff MVP in the process. The next season, he made the jump to the Liiga where he led all rookies in assists (20) and points (30) and was named Rookie of the Year. The 6-5” forward spent one more season in the Liiga before making the jump to North America, where he has stuck ever since, spending most of his time in the AHL. He’s been good in the AHL but just hasn’t been able to stick in the NHL. He’s likely at his ceiling now, bouncing between leagues.

8. Alex Jeffries

Drafted out of the high school prep circuit in the 2020, Jefferies had a strong draft year with The Gunnery and played AAA with the Rochester Coalition. In both leagues, he was named to All-Star teams. He then made the jump to Merrimack College, where he’s been getting better and better each season, playing at over a point per game last season and leading the team in scoring. He plays a fast-paced game, has an excellent shot, and has an improving ability to find space in the offensive zone. Jeffries is an above-average skater with good vision and even brings a decent level of two-way ability. How exactly he translates to the next level remains to be seen, but as a late bloomer, his stock seems to be trending up. He likely peaks as a depth forward who might bounce between the AHL and NHL.

9. Quinn Finley

Drafted by the Islanders in the 2022, 78th overall, the organization has to be happy with Finley’s progression last season. This was after his sophomore season in the USHL with the Madison Capitols, where he was considered a player to watch although he didn’t stand out. Last season, he was back in the USHL and split the season with the Capitols and the Chicago Steel, doubling his production from the previous season. He also participated in the World Junior A Challenge, producing a point per game, and helping Team USA to a gold medal. Finley is very intelligent and processes the game very well. He doesn’t seem to truly drive his line or take over plays, limiting his overall ceiling. While his progression has impressed, at this point he seems likely to be a depth player. However, he will have some time to continue developing and will move to the University of Wisconsin next season, which will be very telling.

10. Jesse Nurmi

A skilled young man with some real jump in his game when motivated, Nurmi was widely seen as a top 100 candidate in the 2023 draft after an unspectacular Hlinka Gretzky Cup performance turned into a tremendous season in Finland’s U20 circuit, where his output over 41 games was good for 6th overall and only six points behind the league leader. As such, the Islanders didn’t hesitate in announcing his name 113th overall with only their second pick of the draft. To be clear, Nurmi has much to do before the pieces of his puzzle are put together. Despite strong performance in the Finnish junior ranks, we have not yet seen much from him internationally and his game without the puck still leaves much to be desired. A coordinated and athletic player, his average height and lack of weight will have to be compensated for in the coming years. If he manages to bulk up accordingly, there’s ample offensive skill and energy for him to become a viable option moving forward. He’s in line for a regular role with his Liiga club this season, the success of which will be very telling with respect to his developmental curve. He is also a strong WJC candidate for Finland.

11. Isaiah George

One of the better skaters in the OHL, George went on a lengthy run with the London Knights last season, playing a crucial role. His mobility can be a major asset in the defensive end, however his offensive development has yet to take that next step.

12. Eetu Liukas

Liukas is a power forward who loves to apply himself physically and who is coming off a breakout offensive season in Liiga action where he finished third in goals for HPK. At the very least, he could be a great replacement for Cal Clutterbuck in a few seasons.

13. Robin Salo

It’s taken Salo a long time to get there, but the former second round pick finally appears to have turned the corner. The next step is solidifying himself as an NHL regular. Competition will be tight at training camp, but his mobility and improving defensive game may give him an edge.

14. Cameron Berg

After two decent years with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Berg has transferred to North Dakota for the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see what kind of effect that has on his development. A two-way power center, Berg still has middle six upside.

15. Arnaud Durandeau

Durandeau had a breakout offensive season last year for Bridgeport, as he emerged as a scoring leader for the Sound Tigers. Offense isn’t likely to be his game at the NHL level though. He’s a future bottom six, energy guy who can play the penalty kill.

16. Tristan Lennox

After battling injuries and the Covid shutdown in the OHL, Lennox’s development finally got back on track last year with Saginaw. The former highly touted prospect will hope to use a strong OA year as a springboard to a strong first pro season.

17. Jakub Skarek

Skarek is likely reaching a crossroads in the Islanders organization after three mediocre pro seasons. The big Czech netminder will need a big year to stave off competition and to remain in the Islanders’ future plans.

18. Daylan Kueffler

Kueffler is very much a throwback to the power forwards of yesteryear. He throws big hits. He drops the mitts. He’s a net front presence. Skating may ultimately limit his NHL upside, but his first pro season with Bridgeport should provide greater feedback.

19. Travis Mitchell

Signed as a free agent out of Cornell, Mitchell is far from an exciting blueline prospect. He won’t wow you with skill or high-end mobility, but he is a staunch defensive presence with a chance of being a bottom pairing, PK type for New York in the future.

20. Aidan Fulp

Another heavy defender signed out of college (Western Michigan), Fulp will be competing for a role with the aforementioned Mitchell in the future. Of the two, who can adapt to the pace of the pro level the best while maintaining their physical advantage?

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #26 New York Islanders

Josh Bell — Sat, 13 May 2023 15:19:06 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 26^th (30^th last year)

The Islanders under Lou Lamoriello (GM since 2018) remain in ‘win now’ mode, despite missing the playoffs for the last two years. Prior to that they advanced to the Semi-Finals and the Conference Finals (under coach Barry Trotz). Lane Lamber took over as coach for the past season, narrowly missing the postseason. Lamoreillo had traded his first pick for the three past years. This past season he acquired leading free agent Bo Horvat, for his 2023 first, prospect Aatu Raty, and Anthony Beauvillier. Prior to the start of the season, he sent his 2022 1^st for Alexander Romanov from Montreal. The season prior was for Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac. This has left the prospect pipeline depleted, with not a lot on the horizon.

Despite the lack of high picks, they have placed five prospects in our top 200 (Dufour, Bolduc, Iskhakov, Odelius, and Maggio). Simon Holmstom, Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson have all graduated for the 2019 and 2018 first rounds. Credit to scouting and development with Dobson emerging as a star. A core built around Horvat, Barzal and Brock Nelson down the middle (Barzal has been on wing at times) with Dobson, Pulock, and Romanov on defense, and one of the best goalies in the league in Sorokin, will keep them looking to add. Past is prologue and expect Lamoriello to follow the same playbook next season.

1. William Dufour

It was an interesting QMJHL career for William Dufour, to say the least. Over his four years in the league, he played with four different teams. That included three before he was even drafted, selected 152nd overall in 2020. He had a short but strong DY+1 season but his +2 season with the Saint John Sea Dogs was something else. With 116 points and a league-leading 56 goals in 66 games, he was named MVP and then lead the Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup title, also being named MVP. Oh, and he had a World Junior gold medal in there too. He’s made the jump to the AHL this season, sliding in extremely well and impressing with his production. He has a pro frame which has helped him muscle his way into succeeding at the higher level. His skating has improved, he has a great wrist shot, and his hands are looking softer by the game. There’s middle-six potential here.

2. Samuel Bolduc

One of the best young d-men in the AHL this season, it’s been a slow burn for Samuel Bolduc since being drafted 57th overall in 2019. He’s had a steady pace of slowly getting better and better each season throughout his QMJHL career and now into the AHL, other than 2021-22 - his sophomore season in the AHL. But he’s made up for his slow year this season, earning a spot on the NHL roster. All signs are pointing to him being a graduate sooner rather than later. He plays a consistent, two-way game with excellent mobility, he has a knack for getting in the passing lanes in his end, and he’s shown that he can contribute offensively, especially with his big shot. He should stick where he is, as a bottom-four rearguard, but should be able to produce more offense as he gets more settled in the NHL.

3. Ruslan Iskhakov

The path of Ruslan Iskhakov is an example of why you can never give up on your dream. The Islanders drafted the Russian out of the MHL way back in the 2018 NHL Draft. From there, he joined the University of Connecticut in the NCAA, where he spent two seasons. He then went back overseas, spending a season with TPS in the Liiga before playing a year in the DEL with Adler Mannheim. Iskhakov is now in his third-straight rookie season in a pro league, but in the AHL with the Bridgeport Islanders. Even better, he’s having an excellent season, among the leaders on the team and with rookies around the league. While he’s on the smaller size at 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, he’s extremely elusive, from his quick hands to his light footwork and his offensive awareness stands out. He has the skill to be a middle-six contributor but give him some more time in the AHL first.

4. Calle Odelius

Just selected in the recent 2022 NHL Draft, 65th overall, Calle Odelius is a bit of a polarizing prospect where some believe he can be a game-breaker and others lean more toward a depth defender. Depending on the game you watch, you can understand one assessment or the other. The Islanders selected him out of the J20 Nationell, where he had a strong season and earned seven games in the SHL. With Djurgardens being demoted to the HockeyAllsvenskan, he hasn’t progressed as one would hope, struggling to pop offensively or in other areas of the game. When he’s on, he’s a good four-way skater, and is solid in his own end, breaking up plays and turning them up the other way. He may even end up more defensive leaning as he progressed. He could still surprise, but a depth defender likely is where he ends up.

5. Matt Maggio

Matt Maggio was one of the many OHLers impacted by the OHL season shutting down due to the pandemic in his draft year. While he already had two seasons of OHL action under his belt, he wanted to get scout’s eyes on him and headed overseas, playing with Sweden’s SK Lejon in the HockeyEttan. It wasn’t enough though, as he went undrafted. Heading back to the OHL in 2021-22, Maggio had a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, taking a huge step forward with 85 points. This season, he’s taken an even bigger jump forward, leading the OHL in goals (54) and points (111). His strength, ability to get into the high-danger areas, and competitiveness have all contributed to this progression. While making it as a pro isn’t a sure thing, these are all aspects that should help him get there as a reliable bottom-six player.

6. Otto Koivula

One of the older players still considered a prospect by McKeen’s, Otto Koivula heard his name called back in the 2016 NHL Draft, 120th overall. Islander’s fans have had to be patient with the forward since then. They selected him out of the U20 SM-liiga, where he helped Ilves to a championship and was named playoff MVP in the process. The next season, he made the jump to the Liiga where he led all rookies in assists (20) and points (30) and was named Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-5 forward spent one more season in the Liiga before making the jump to North America, where he’s stuck ever since, spending most of his time in the AHL. He’s been good in the AHL but just hasn’t been able to find that success in the NHL. He’s likely at his ceiling now, bouncing between the leagues.

7. Alex Jefferies

Drafted out of the high school prep circuit in the 2020 NHL Draft, Alex Jefferies had a strong draft year with The Gunnery and played AAA with the Rochester Coalition. In both leagues, he was named to All-Star teams. He then made the jump to Merrimack College, where he’s been getting better and better each season, playing at over a point per game this season and leading the team in scoring. He plays a fast-paced game, has an excellent shot and has an improving ability to find space in the offensive zone. He’s an above-average skater with good vision and even brings a level of two-way ability. How exactly he translates to the next level remains to be seen, but as a late bloomer, his stock does seem to be trending up. He likely peaks as a depth forward that might bounce between the AHL and NHL.

8. Quinn Finley

Recently drafted by the Islanders in the 2022 NHL Draft, 78th overall, the Islanders have to be happy with his progression this season. This was after his sophomore season in the USHL with the Madison Capitols, where he was a player to watch but didn’t overly stand out. This season, he’s back in the USHL and split the season with the Capitols and the Chicago Steel, doubling his production from a year ago. He also participated in the World Junior A Challenge, producing a point per game and helping Team USA to a gold medal. Finley is a very intelligent player that processes the game very well. He doesn’t seem to truly drive his line or take over plays, limiting his overall ceiling. While his progression has impressed, at this point he seems likely to be a depth player. However, he will have some time to continue to develop and will move to the University of Wisconsin next season, which will be very telling.

9. Isaiah George

Another 2022 NHL Draft selection, Isaiah George was selected 98th overall from the OHL’s London Knights as a rookie. It would have been his sophomore season had it not been for the cancelled season. George could be an interesting prospect, as he could explode at any minute with the Knights, as soon as he gets bigger minutes. He’s an underrated two-way defender, who plays a very confident, reliable game. He’s good in transition and his awareness in his own end stands out. He’s a versatile defender able to play on either side of the rink. It has to be wondered if playing on the deep Knights has slowed his progression, but he does have some processing issues at times that also need to be factored in. George could still surprise when given the chance, but at this point, he looks like a depth, two-way defender.

10. Eetu Liukas

Playing in the Finnish TPS organization his entire career - until this season - Eetu Liukas has a steady path of progression. The Islanders saw that ahead of the 2021 NHL Draft, calling his name 157th overall. He was just making the jump to the Liiga that season, still playing mainly in the U20 SM-sarja. That pendulum swung in 2021-22, as he spent the majority of his time in the Liiga but still saw some time in the junior ranks. This season, he was full-time in the Liiga and showed a significant step in the right direction. He has a pro frame and plays with a ton of strength. He has a sneaky good shot but does often wait for the play and the puck to come to him rather than taking charge on the ice. If he can reach the NHL, he’s likely to be a call-up option at this point.

AHL: BELL – Stock Up, Stock Down – 10 Early Impressions

Josh Bell — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:44:16 +0000

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 09: Cleveland Monsters right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) on the ice during the first period of the American Hockey League game between Grand Rapids Griffins and Cleveland Monsters on November 9, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

Stock Up, Stock Down: Early Impressions on AHL Prospects

With the puck dropping on the AHL season just over a month ago, it’s the perfect time to take an early look at how some of the prospects in the league are performing.

Some surprising names have been lighting up the league and received early call-ups to the NHL, while others came in with high hopes and haven’t exactly reached those expectations. It’s a point in the season where players can still come back down to earth or find their stride and turn their season around.

While many more are off to hot or cold starts, here are 10 prospects in the AHL that have already seen their stock rise or fall this season.

Stock Down: John Beecher, C, Providence Bruins

Boston Bruins prospect John Beecher wrapped up his NCAA career last season, jumping to the AHL at the end of the year for a taste of the next level. He played well, with five points (three goals, two assists) in nine games, followed by one assist in two playoff games.

After starting the season looking like a contender for an NHL role, he started in the AHL and just hasn’t taken that step forward in his development. It was expected that he would take on a big role in Providence, but his struggles have led to him sliding down the lineup into the bottom six and collecting just four points (two goals, two assists) in his first 15 games.

The biggest issue for Beecher right now is his processing. There seems to be a delay in his thinking and reacting. This is resulting in bad passes, trouble receiving passes, being caught out of position, and bad giveaways. He just looks to be missing a step in his game. He’s not pushing the pace or driving play. He’s not making it hard for the other team to play against him. The season is still young, and Beecher can still turn it around, but right now there is reason to be worried about the young prospect.

Stock Up: Samuel Bolduc, D, Bridgeport Islanders

The 2021-22 season was rough for Samuel Bolduc, his second in the AHL. After putting up 14 points in 24 games in his rookie season, he started the season injured and just could bounce back, collecting just seven in 57 games.

So far this season, Bolduc has taken a big step forward, already recording 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 14 games. This is largely thanks to a seven-game point streak he had, including one three-assist performance. He’s been playing significant power-play minutes and has been given increasing time on the penalty kill.

This step forward began last season when Bolduc really started taking strides in the back half, showing improvement in his reading of the play and his ability to utilize his body to control opponents. His defensive game has continued to impress this season, while his offensive game appears to continuously trend upwards. He’s making quick decisions with the puck, showing off great passing, and getting pucks on net at the right moments. Expect the 6-foot-4, 220-pound defender to make the jump to New York at some point this season for his first NHL game.

Stock Up: Matej Blumel, W, Texas Stars

Arguably the AHL prospect that has raised their draft stock most this season, Matej Blumel came back to North America after three seasons playing in the top professional league in Czechia. Originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2019 (100th overall), the team opted not to sign him and lost his rights on June 1, 2021.

Just over a year later, the Dallas Stars signed the former USHL player to a two-year, entry-level contract, a decision that’s looking like a brilliant one at this point. He started his season with a seven-game point streak, with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in that time. He was called up to the NHL, where he had one goal through four games, before being sent back to Texas.

When Blumel’s on the ice, you need to be worried. He’s averaging 0.44 expected goals per game and a 62% Corsi for percentage. He’s driving the net, hunting down rebounds, moving the puck around well, utilizing a big one-timer, and showing off impressive patience. He’s creating offense in a number of different ways and is a dangerous player every time he hits the ice. It looks like the Oilers will be regretting the decision not to sign the winger.

Stock Down: Grigori Denisenko, LW, Charlotte Checkers

When the Florida Panthers drafted Grigori Denisenko 15th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, they were hoping they were drafting a future top-six offensive talent. It looked promising to start, spending the majority of the next two seasons in the KHL, leading the 2019 World Juniors in points, and captaining Russia at the 2020 World Juniors.

Since over from Russia in the 2020-21 season, the winger just hasn’t been able to find his groove. This has been further complicated by the pandemic and a broken kneecap, but this season, he’s healthy and still struggling to put up points. Through 15 games, he has just four points (one goal, three assists).

The forward looks to lack confidence in his game. Looking at his shot maps from his draft year to this season, his shots are coming from further and further out. This season, he rarely shoots from inside the house, navigating the perimeter instead. He’s rushing his decisions, throwing the puck away into traffic. He needs to take a step back, slow his game down, and start to regain confidence. He’s playing on the power play regularly, so it could come. Don’t completely write him off yet, but he’s going to need to turn it around fast.

Stock Up: Ruslan Iskhakov, C, Bridgeport Islanders

Right there with Blumel as one of the most impressive AHL prospects to start the season, Ruslan Iskhakov is taking the league by storm. When we talk about interesting paths to the NHL, Iskhakov might just take the cake. He’s played in the MHL, Slovakia U18, NCAA, Liiga, and the DEL before coming to the AHL this season.

Entering his rookie season, expectations weren’t overly high for the 2018 draft pick. Yet, he exploded out of the gate, collecting 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in his first nine games. He was named AHL Rookie of the Month for his efforts. He’s playing on the top line and the top power-play unit, and it looks like the sky is the limit for the forward.

Iskhakov is showing off his talent in a number of ways. He’s forcing turnovers in the offensive zone, he’s making some pinpoint-accurate passes, and just as accurate shots. He’s remarkably quick on loose pucks and he’s showing off great vision. If he keeps this up, it won’t be long before he hits the NHL ice.

Stock Up: Kole Lind, RW, Coachella Valley Firebirds

Drafted all the way back in 2017 by the Vancouver Canucks, it’s been a long ride for Kole Lind. Now with the Seattle Kraken organization, he has had a taste of NHL action, playing 23 games last season, and now it looks like he wants to get back there as soon as he can.

In the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ first season in the AHL, Lind collected the first goal and later the first hattrick in franchise history. He’s collected 14 points (six goals, eight assists) through 13 games so far, second on the team behind 2021-22 league points leader Andrew Poturalski.

Lind has been showing off a hard, accurate shot this season, and a powerful one-timer on the power play. He drives the net hard, with or without the puck, battling for position and getting his stick on pucks. He moves the puck around well, both in assisting transition and around the offensive zone. Don’t be surprised to see him called up soon.

Stock Up: Kirill Marchenko, RW/LW, Cleveland Monsters

The wait for Kirill Marchenko is just about over for Columbus Blue Jackets fans. Drafted back in 2018, 49th overall, the Russian forward is finally spending his first season in North America - and it’s been going very well.

The 22-year-old has already racked up 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 12 games. While he didn’t exactly pop in the pre-season, it looks like this was his time to get settled as he hasn’t slowed down since the AHL season started, recording a point in all but two games.

His offensive awareness is sky-high and with his impressive start to the season, he’s oozing confidence. He shows a great deal of patience with the puck, drawing defenders in and creating space for his teammates. He has a full arsenal of ways to put the puck in the net from a net-front tip, a quick wrist shot, or a pass to a teammate. He’s not far off from breaking into the NHL.

Stock Down: Jan Mysak, LW, Laval Rocket

There were a lot of expectations coming into the season for Jan Mysak. After a 64-point season in the OHL, helping the Hamilton Bulldogs to an OHL Championship, a strong performance at the World Juniors where he was named to the All-Star Team, and a strong NHL pre-season, he was expected to pop. That hasn’t happened.

Adding to these expectations, Mysak actually already spent time in the AHL in the 2020-21 season when the OHL season was shut down, playing in 22 games and potting two goals. That’s more than he has this season, with just one goal in 15 games.

He’s averaging just 12:21 minutes per game, among the lowest on the team. He’s playing on the fourth line, has even been scratched, and he hasn’t seen significant power play time. While he hasn’t been in a position to succeed, he’s also not knocking down the door for a bigger role. He can get caught out of position, losing his mark and giving up opportunities, and he just hasn’t produced offensively yet, granted there are flashes of chances. Mysak needs more opportunity, but he needs to take advantage of the ice he does have, which hasn’t happened yet.

Stock Down: Victor Soderstrom, D, Tucson Roadrunners

When the Arizona Coyotes drafted up in the 2019 NHL Draft to the 11th overall pick and selected Victor Soderstrom, expectations were set. Trading up, especially at that point in the draft, these expectations are unavoidable to justify the transaction. For Soderstrom, those expectations have yet to be met.

Now in his third season in North America, the hope was that the defender could take the step forward and make the jump to the NHL. Not only has that not been the case, but even within the AHL, he seems to have taken a step back. After collecting 19 points in 32 games last season (0.59 points per game) he’s recorded just five assists in 13 games this year (0.38 points per game).

On top of not producing (despite significant power play time), the defender’s possession and defensive game has struggled throughout the season. The most glaring concern is the turnovers that he produces, especially in his own zone. The defender tends to panic when under pressure, throwing the puck away. He’s been burned this season with turnovers leading to goals against, but his teammates have bailed him out on other occasions. The ceiling of Soderstrom is very much in question at this point in his development.

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 12: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence (53) carries the puck during the NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on March 12, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire)

Stock Up: Jordan Spence, D, Ontario Reign

The resumes that Jordan Spence has built through his young career is truly impressive, from QMJHL Rookie of the Year to QMJHL Defender of the Year, to AHL All-Star and All-Rookie Team nods last season, it’s safe to say that the bar was high for the defender. And he hasn’t disappointed.

Spence started his season going a point-per-game, with 12 assists through 12 games. He sits second on the Ontario Reign in points and second in the league for assists from a defender. Both Spence and Brandt Clarke look ready for the NHL, but there just aren’t any spots for them to fill right now.

The defender’s passing has definitely stood out throughout his time in the AHL from his outlet passes to his puck movement in the offensive zone. He’s getting pucks through traffic and on net, creating rebounds that his forwards can bury. He’s not afraid to step up to get a closer shot or to pull defenders out of position. He’s ready for the NHL.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:37:39 +0000

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: New York Islanders Center Aatu Raty (61) controls the puck during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers on September 28, 2021 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Aatu Raty C

Since being drafted 52^nd overall in the summer of 2021, Räty has been on vengeance tour to prove to the hockey world that he should not have lasted as long in the draft as he did. Räty was fantastic for Finland at the U20 Five Nations Tournament in 2021 following the draft and then went on to have one of the best pro seasons of any drafted U23 player in Europe. After a slow start, he exploded after being loaned out to Jukurit, clipping at just under a point-per-game pace during the regular season. With an ELC already in his pocket, Räty completed the year with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, putting up a goal and four points in six postseason games. He then was one of the best overall players in this summer’s rescheduled WJC, where he finished 5^th in scoring with three goals and 10 points in seven games winning a silver medal. Despite all this progress and the consistency with which he has produced since being drafted, Räty continues to have a rather stiff skating stride and a subpar second gear. Quite shifty in traffic and very adept with the puck, his tendencies lean towards playmaking although his wrist shot and one-timer have proven deadly time and again. The Islanders say he’s tabbed for Bridgeport this season, but don’t be surprised if he keeps proving the doubters wrong and gets NHL games. - CL

2 - William Dufour RW

Dufour just had an exceptional season with the Saint John’s Sea Dogs: he won the league MVP award with 56 goals and 60 assists in just 66 games and won the Memorial Cup, winning the tournament’s MVP award there as well. To add a cherry on top, he played an instrumental role on the first line (at times) of Team Canada at the World Junior Championship helping them win a gold medal. Dufour’s standout attribute is his shot: it is hard, heavy and has pinpoint accuracy. He rounds out this attribute with a very efficient physical game and explosive skating. In his draft year, some scouts were pointing out Dufour’s lack of intensity. It’s now safe to say that William corrected this part of his game as he always plays aggressive on the forecheck and provides a consistent physical edge. William’s 6’3” frame combined with his great north-south skating and his excellent release gives him a great chance to develop nicely into a good middle-six scoring option at the NHL level. This upcoming season, Dufour will have a chance to prove himself furthermore with the Bridgeport Islanders as he was drafted in the 5^th round by the New York Islanders back in 2020. In retrospect, it looks like a steal of a pick by the Isles who must be thrilled by Dufour’s progression so far. - EB

3 - Robin Salo D

Making a name for himself thanks to his strong lateral movement along the opposition blueline, Salo has been taking his time to mature since being drafted 46^th overall in 2017. After more than six full seasons of professional hockey experience in Europe, this past season was his first in North America and it ended with mixed reviews. He suited up for the New York Islanders 21 times and earning time on the second power play unit. Heady, active, and confident in rushing the puck, Salo looked overwhelmed at times when it came to pressure exhibited by forecheckers. His corner and net-front work continue to be a work in progress, but there was no lack of effort or confidence playing a two-way, game from the blueline. His 46 total games of AHL play saw him begin and end with a good bit of responsibility as a top two defenseman, but he hit a wall mid-season. This could be attributed to playing more games than he ever had before, but the midseason Covid lull may have also impacted his second half slide. He looked like a certainty for a February call-up, but Parker Wotherspoon got the call instead with the Islanders noting that Salo wasn’t where he needed to be in his play at the time. The Islanders now enter the 22-23 season with an open spot on the left-hand side and the decision should come down to Salo, Sebastian Aho, or newly acquired Dennis Cholowski. – CL

4 - Otto Koivula C

A 2016 4^th rounder, the 6’4”, 220-pound Koivula is coming off his best season as a pro. Not only did he set career highs with 35 assists and 47 points in 56 AHL contests, he also suited up eight times for the Islanders, collecting his first two NHL assists. A tall player with a very formidable build, you wouldn’t be blamed for mistaking Koivula for Islander top goal-scorer Brock Nelson, as the two look incredibly similar in the way they carry themselves, but the similarity stops there. The speed of the NHL game is still a bit overwhelming for the Finn and he played very conservatively, looking to make quick, safe plays at every juncture. Overall, his time on Long Island saw him deployed in a bottom six capacity, averaging 11 minutes per outing. Originally a left wing whose greatest holdback has been his skating, Koivula was a bit of a prospect sensation for the Islanders when he was immediately moved to center during his rookie AHL season in 18-19 and proceeded to put up 46 points. Nonetheless, his progress has somewhat stalled since then and his future role in the organization is uncertain. He heads into the upcoming season with two years remaining on his second contract and finds himself as the 5^th man on the center depth chart. Huge production on the farm could be just the tonic necessary to make the jump for an Islanders team that is constantly seeking more offense. - CL

5 - Simon Holmstrom RW

Drafted 23^rd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Holmström was widely seen as an off-the-board pick despite being one of Sweden’s top forwards available that year. In light of the progress of players such as Philip Tomasino, Connor McMichael, and Arthur Kaliyev (not to mention fellow Swede Nils Höglander), all currently taking NHL shifts and having been selected shortly after Holmström, the belief that he was a poor selection persists. Nonetheless, he has shown progress and it is too early to write him off. He spent the majority of last season healthy and forced his way into a top six role for the Bridgeport Islanders. His 12 goals and 43 regular season points were good for third on the team. At 6’1”, 195 lbs., Holmström is solidly built and has been working hard on moving from a largely perimeter game to one with more sandpaper and a greater readiness to make his way to the net through traffic. His playmaking continues to be strong, and he occasionally pulls off the type of move that pulls viewers out of their seats. An NHL debut this season is not unthinkable, but the Islanders still find themselves in a “win-now” mode and are looking for Holmstrom to take a greater step as a go-to guy on the attack for the AHL outfit. Ultimately, contracts for players like Zach Parise and Josh Bailey are winding down and the organization sees Holmström as a high priority to ultimately fill those future lineup holes. - CL

6 - Calle Odelius D

Odelius was selected with the 65^th overall pick by the New York Islanders in the most recent draft. He projects as a two-way defenceman with solid mobility and playmaking ability. He spent this past season playing with Djurgårdens in the J20 league, producing 30 points in 43 games. His skating stride stands out as he has strong ankle flexion, good balance and impressive four-way mobility. He is often able to read plays before they occur and position himself to break up offensive chances. Once he breaks up possession, he quickly looks to transition the puck, either with a crisp pass through the neutral zone or with his smooth north-south skating. While his offensive game isn’t dynamic per se, his ability to assess passing lanes and complete passes at an efficient rate make him a decent offensive option. He is extremely athletic and uses his frame to edge out opponents for the puck. Odelius was part of a large group of draft eligible players playing for Djurgårdens at the junior level last season and will look to develop along with that group moving forward. He will work on rounding out his game, splitting time between the Allsvenskan and the J20 league for Djurgårdens in the upcoming season. - ZS

7 - Isaiah George D

The 98th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Isaiah George dropped farther than some were expecting, as he was projected as a potential 2nd round pick by some. Like others, George missed the 2020-2021 season due to the Covid-19 shutdown. During the 2021-2022 season, George was given little opportunity to play, as do most London Knights rookies, especially defensemen. Despite not given a lot of time on ice, George was able to make the most of his time, being very effective in transition, both offensively and defensively. George displayed great strength and mobility when breaking up and shutting down plays in transition in the defensive zone. Being able to keep a strong gap control with good four-way mobility, an active stick and being physical when needed. At the end of the season, George finished with 23 points (6G,17A) in 67 games, which was 7th on the team in points and 2nd in points for a defenseman on the Knights despite playing minimal minutes. During the skills testing at the CHL Top Prospects Game, George did very well, ranking 1st in 30m backward skating with and without the puck, and 3rd in 30m forward skating with and without puck which resulted in George finishing 4th overall. George’s best assets are his skating and puck handling. He has the ability to play with great speed and pace each shift, having the acceleration and agility to separate himself from opponents and create space for himself. He’s able to use his quick hands to stay deceptive and keep control of the puck in traffic, showing great poise. Going into the 2022-2023 season, George will most likely see an increase in minutes and be given more of an opportunity to play in more situations. His point totals should also see an increase in production. - DK

8 - Cameron Berg C

A player who was passed up in his first year of NHL draft eligibility, Cameron Berg’s 2020-21 USHL campaign was strong enough for him to be selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL draft. Berg’s time as a Muskegon Lumberjack was far more fruitful than his time with the Omaha Lancers, but despite that Berg chose to head back to Omaha for his collegiate career, suiting up for the University of Nebraska-Omaha. There, Berg had a solid first college season, scoring 23 points in 37 games. Berg wasn’t a top player at even strength, but he received solid power play minutes and flashed some real offensive upside in those situations, times when he wasn’t as hard-pressed to create space due to the man advantage. Berg doesn’t have a standout offensive tool, instead relying on his hard work and persistence to be effective on the attack. This will likely be enough for him to survive as a scoring threat in college, but it severely limits his NHL upside. Still, Berg should take a jump next season and be a top scorer for Nebraska next season. If he can do that, maybe his offensive upside as a pro will warrant a second look. But right now, Berg’s motor will be the most likely tool that carries him as a pro, and he’ll need to prepare for the inevitable transition he’ll make into being more of a role player without a lot of offensive opportunities. While the expected jump in production many expect for Berg will draw more attention, it’s the improvements that he does or does not make in his two-way game that will have more of an impact on his chances of becoming an NHL player. - EH

9 - Quinn Finley LW

Quinn Finley, one of the younger players available at the 2022 draft, was a bit of a divisive prospect. Ultimately drafted 78th overall by the Islanders, some saw the pick as a reach for a player yet to put all his talent together at the USHL level, while others saw it as an appropriate home run swing for an organization that has a prospect pipeline short on skilled offensive players. While Finley’s numbers — 29 points in 39 games for the Madison Capitals — Finley has legitimate scoring upside. Finley is both a threat as a passer and a shooter, although he’ll likely do his most damage in a role as the latter. Finley can pick a corner on a goalie and score from a perimeter. His shot is his best tool, and it’s what contributes the most to his NHL upside. That being said, Finley needs to get better at finding the right places and times to unleash his shot, and while he isn’t a perimeter-only player he can stand to get better at scoring goals from closer to the net. As a playmaker, Finley showed the chops to set up teammates in the USHL, but he’ll need to develop his approach and add more deception in order to be a playmaker at higher levels. How far Finley goes will largely depend on how far his shot and speed tools can carry him. Barring any major developments to his away-from-the-puck game, Finley has the upside to be a speedy goal-scoring specialist at the NHL level. His odds of actually achieving that upside will come down to how he spends his time in college at the University of Wisconsin. Finley has all the tools to outperform his third-round draft billing, and he’ll be one of the freshmen players to watch in college hockey next season. - EH

10 - Eetu Liukas LW

Built like a truck, the 2021 5^th rounder spent last season becoming a verifiable NHL prospect. 10 goals and 20 points in 13 U20-league games showed he can score, but 12 goals in a lower line role over 65 games for TPS of Liiga make him more interesting still, with a game that is all about taking the body and getting under opponent’s skin. This is exactly what he did for Finland at this summer’s WJC, with two assists and a +3 in six games while throwing his weight around and contributing to the penalty kill. One indicative play from late in the Gold Medal game saw him win a puck battle in Canada’s corner, send a tape-to-tape pass to his onrushing defenseman, charge the net, partially screening the goalie while gaining the attention of both Canadian defensemen, giving Joakim Kemell just the time and space necessary to score on a one-timer. Liukas has a strong build and understands his role to a T, playing a throwback style harkening the likes of Esa Tikkanen. He can be unpleasant, tough along the boards, and dish out some hurt, but he keeps his penalty minutes to a minimum. On top of it all, he has a surprisingly hard and accurate shot. He is signed on this season with HPK with the intent of securing a top nine role. A strong season could lead to an ELC next summer. - CL

11 - Alex Jefferies

Jefferies, a slippery and skilled playmaking winger, has had two good, but not great seasons at Merrimack to start his NCAA run. The Islanders will be looking for him to truly take that next step as an offensive leader as a junior.

12 - Jakub Skarek

A former third round pick of the Islanders, Skarek has been playing with Bridgeport the last three seasons. Last year was his best as a pro, which does breed some confidence that he can be an NHL netminder if he can continue to progress this year.

13 -- Matt Maggio

The competitive goal scoring winger took massive strides forward with Windsor of the OHL this past season. He could turn pro this season or return to Windsor for his overage year.

14 - Ruslan Iskhakov

The road to prospect relevancy has not been standard for Ishakov. Two years at UConn, a year in Liiga, and a year in the DEL (most recently). However, the undersized playmaking center has produced at each of those levels and will now try his hand in the AHL next year.

15 - Tristan Lennox

Last season was pretty much a write off for the former highly touted goaltending prospect. Injuries plagued his year, and the Spirit were pretty bad in front of him when he did. Without a strong overage season next year, the Islanders may not elect to sign him.

16 - Blade Jenkins

After three mediocre OHL seasons, Jenkins has now had two mediocre AHL seasons with Bridgeport. The big forward needs to have a much better third pro season to stay in New York’s plans.

17 - Bode Wilde

No question Wilde is talented. He is athletic. He is skilled. There were many OHL games during his time with Saginaw where he was the best player on the ice. However, as a pro, his lack of game awareness has limited him. He will return to the AHL this year after a year abroad in Sweden last year.

18 - Arnaud Durandeau

There is a path to the NHL for Durandeau, a lunch pail type of winger who can be used in a variety of different situations. The upside may not be more than as a fourth liner, but he could still have a productive career.

19 - Matias Rajaniemi

A hulking Finnish defender, Rajaniemi has become a regular in Liiga with Pelicans the last two seasons. He’s not the fleetest of foot, but there is value in his shutdown capabilities.

20 - Samuel Bolduc

Bolduc’s pro debut with Bridgeport was solid in the shortened, watered down AHL season two years ago, but last year was a major step backward. The big defender is more of an offensive powerplay QB, rather than a staunch, physical force (as you might expect given his 6’4, 220lbs frame).

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: NEW YORK ISLANDERS – RANK: #31 – TIER VII

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:30:08 +0000

New York Islanders

#31 NY Islanders - Too many failed picks or players who have been rushed to the NHL, losing prospect eligibility. For all of NYI's success at the NHL level, they need to draft better. Much better.

TRINEC, CZECH REPUBLIC - DECEMBER 29: Kazakhstan vs Finland preliminary round action at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship at Werk Arena on December 29, 2019 in Trinec, Czech Republic. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Aatu Raty

At this time last year, Aatu Raty was the front runner to be the first overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. The 6’1, 181lbs center had a trying year that saw his production in Liiga (with Karpat) plateau and his spot on the Finnish WJC team disappear. Given the disappointing season he had, the Islanders were able to secure his rights in the back half of the second round. That said he has the skill to be a top line center in the NHL. Raty has some fairly dynamic elements and makes things happen with his individual play. His stickhandling ability is very good as he is capable of stickhandling through multiple opponents and making plays with limited time and space. He has quick hands, and he can catch defenders off guard by attacking to the middle from the wall. He also protects the puck well with his body and he is effective on the cycle.

There are definitely some areas of his game that Raty needs to improve to finally progress his game after hitting said plateau. He will need to improve his first step quickness, his shot selection, and the consistency of his physical engagement level. While Raty does still possess a high ceiling, even if he does not reach his full potential, he could still bring value to the Islanders. He could play in different roles and up and down the lineup due to his versatility and understanding of the game. Given his terrific performance at the recent World Junior Summer Showcase, Raty is a likely bounce back candidate who could have a terrific season in Liiga with Karpat. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Robin Salo

A second rounder in 2017, Salo has taken his sweet time in developing, especially for a defender who was drafted right off of a fairly full - and highly successful - season of Liiga play. But if last season was any indication, the time in the incubator is about to truly pay off. After a 19-20 season that saw him finally take a more positive step in development with 27 points split between Liiga and SHL action, the heady defenseman with a penchant for making smooth passes really exploded on the scene this past season. Overall, he was one of Örebro’s top three defenders and often eclipsed 20 minutes of play per night. A dancer on the blueline, and very active both with and without the puck, his 30 regular season points placed him 10th overall in scoring among SHL defenders while he was tied for 5th league-wide with a +17 rating.

The upcoming season will be spent in North America and although the general thought is that he’d be well-served spending the first year of his ELC in the AHL, the fact that the Islanders have moved Devon Toews and Nick Leddy in successive years, while not having replaced either through free agency (particularly the latter), should have Salo headed to the US staring at a job opening right on Long Island. Very mobile and strong in all four directions, it only seems a matter of time before he gets a prolonged NHL shot, especially for a team that’ll now be in good need of blueliners capable of a strong first pass and ready to rush the puck in transition. It would seem a safe bet that Salo will make his NHL debut at some point in the upcoming season, even if current Islanders leadership tends to work in rookies seldom and slowly at that. - CL

Samuel Bolduc

Coming out of the QMJHL, the former second round pick may not have had the hype of some other ‘Q” defenders, but a very strong first pro season has certainly raised some eyebrows. An AHL All-Star for Bridgeport last season, Bolduc proved that his offensive capabilities could translate to the pro level, while also providing a more stable defensive presence than many expected.

The 6’4, 210 lbs defender is not the type of player you would expect him to be. He is a smooth skating puck moving defender who can quarterback a powerplay with a booming point shot. His physical play and assertiveness in the defensive end have always been marked as a weakness. Additionally, his decision making with the puck had been, at best, inconsistent. However, reports suggest that both of those areas showed marked improvement as a pro with Bridgeport. At this point, Bolduc seems ticketed for another year in the AHL, however his strong performance has likely caused him to pass Bode Wilde as the Islanders’ top injury call up and as such, he could see action this year. His long-term projection is that of a second or third pairing defender who could possibly quarterback the Islanders’ powerplay. - BO

Bode Wilde

With Bode Wilde, it has always been about whether his elite physical tools could allow him to transform into a high-end NHL defender. Blessed with a combination of size, mobility, and skill, Wilde often previously did as he pleased in the OHL, dominating shifts at both ends of the ice. Yet, his decision making and awareness at both ends have always been criticized, leading some to believe that he would not be able to process the game well enough to be an NHL defender.

In his first full pro season with Bridgeport, Wilde continued to show flashes of his high-end potential. However, turnovers and poor reads continued to plague him, suggesting that the Islanders may need to continue to be patient with his development. Wilde will return to Bridgeport this coming season and will look to establish himself as one of the team’s top defenders. If he can make the necessary adjustments, he still stands a chance of being a future top four defender for the Islanders. If he does not, Wilde likely projects as more of a higher risk, third pairing defender who could see some powerplay time and sheltered minutes to try to limit his minutes in the defensive zone. Unquestionably, this is a big year for his development. - BO

Simon Holmstrom

For New York Islander fans, Holmstrom’s second season of organizational membership did little to suppress the feeling that their favorite team may not have made the wisest choice with its first-round selection in 2019. A creative puck-handler who is known to combine strong overall wherewithal and good hockey sense with sound 3-zone decisions, he surprisingly began his Islander career by appearing in 46 AHL games as an 18-year-old in the 19-20 season – to mixed reviews.

His 20-21 season kicked off with him playing for Vita Hästen in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. There, Holmstrom tallied just one goal and two points in 10 games, playing primarily in a lower line role and looking a little out of his depth. That impression continued somewhat at the WJC, where Holmstrom at times showed a slick pair of mitts while being one of Sweden’s best producers with five points in as many games but had a hard time dealing with physical play and often looking like little more than a perimeter player who could be rather easily separated from the puck. Upon returning to the AHL, he was basically force-fed top line minutes, suiting up for all of Bridgeport’s 24 games and getting a fair share of power play duties. Seeing as how his scoring pace was less than in his rookie year, one has to ask if he hasn’t ultimately been overwhelmed by coming to the AHL at such a young age, especially coming off a draft year cut short by a handful of injuries? For certain, a lot is on the line for Holmstrom in the 21-22 season, in which he’ll need to give some indication of what can be expected of him in the not-so-distant future. He is, after all, the only first rounder the team has had in the past three drafts. - CL

Kieffer Bellows

Only 23-years-old, it is still far too early to close the door on Bellows. But the door isn’t open as wide as it was when he was the deadliest scorer in his class, scoring 50 goals in his draft year with the USDP, many off passes from the likes of Clayton Keller and Adam Fox. His path to today has been circuitous, involving a one year stay at Boston University, where he struggled to have an impact at either end. From there, he moved for one year to Portland of the WHL, where he scored 41 goals playing with Cody Glass. Course seemingly corrected, Bellows turned pro and saw his career trajectory take another dip.

That rookie pro season was a real challenge, finishing with only 19 points in 73 games, and spending far too much time in the penalty box. While his enhanced physicality was not unwelcomed, the Islanders were looking to Bellows for offense. Some of that returned in 2019-20, as Bellows more than doubled his point per game rate and earned an eight game NHL stint, before COVID mucked everything up for all of us. He spent all of last year with the Islanders, but appeared in only 14 games, scoring three times. It could be that Bellows’ impulsiveness and occasional selfishness on the puck are simply not a good fit under coach Barry Trotz, but Bellows is running out of time to make the needed adjustments to his game to reach his ceiling of a top six scoring winger. - RW

Ruslan Iskhakov

Iskhakov, a former second-round pick by the Isles in 2018, has certainly taken the road less traveled. Drafted out of the MHL, he then played two seasons at the University of Connecticut (where he was relatively underwhelming), before spending last season in Liiga with TPS. TPS ended up finishing as the season finalists and Iskhakov played a large role in that, which would have likely made the Islanders very happy.

This coming season he is set to play in the DEL with Adler Mannheim, who are perennial powerhouses in Germany. At the conclusion of the season (June 1, 2022), the Islanders will finally have to make a decision on whether to sign Iskhakov or let his rights expire. A strong playmaking center, Iskhakov certainly is not large (5’8), but he competes hard and can play with pace. His defensive play improved greatly in Finland last season and the Islanders will likely be looking for him to continue to progress as a two-way player in Germany this season. He projects as a middle six center, however, is probably still a few years away from making an impact with the Islanders (if they elect to offer him a contract). - BO

Tristan Lennox

It had to have been tough on Lennox to not get the opportunity to show scouts his true colours this season due to the OHL’s pandemic cancellation. Last season was a rough one for Lennox. A late born ‘02, he got injured as the starter for Canada at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and it really derailed his entire year. He has the size and athleticism combination that scouts look for in goaltenders these days, but the technical components to his game just need to become more consistent, especially his rebound control and positioning.

Heading into the 2021/22 OHL season, the league’s return to normalcy, Lennox will once again be expected to start for Saginaw and emerge as one of the OHL’s elite netminders. With a strong showing he can put himself in contention for the World Juniors, and as a late born 2002, it also makes him a candidate to be signed by the Isles so that he can start his pro career the following season. Lennox does possess the potential to be an NHL netminder and a significant asset to the Isles, but he will need to stay healthy and find his confidence again. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Cameron Berg

Berg’s performance this year justified our belief in him, as he entered the 2021 draft as one of our highest ranked undrafted players in 2020. A hard hitting, goal scoring, power center, Berg exploded with Muskegon over a full season, finishing in the top 10 in USHL scoring. This led to his selection by the Islanders in the fourth round in 2021.

He could still stand to improve his skating so as to maintain speed over longer distances, but he is a pure sniper who can score anywhere from the dots and in, with underrated puck skills and a relish for laying into opponents with big hits. Berg is the type of player who can play in all situations, excelling at both ends of the ice. This versatility was no doubt intriguing to the Islanders scouting staff. His next stop will be the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he should be an immediate impact player for the Mavericks. His production as a freshman should give us a better indication of the type of NHL potential he possesses, but as of right now he looks like a middle six candidate after two or three seasons at the NCAA level. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Sebastian Aho

After three years of largely above-average play in the AHL, including several appearances in the AHL all-star game, the 20-21 season proved a very difficult one for Aho. A permanent member of the New York Islanders’ taxi squad, the clever puck-mover saw all of three games of action. From the outside, his two points in those three games speaks very well for a surely rusty player who was thrown into the fire in the middle of an important stretch. Alas, several defensive breakdowns, some outmuscling along the way, and a few instances where he was clearly slower than the competition saw Aho replaced by Thomas Hickey, who went on to play five games.

Complicating Aho’s situation was that the Islanders spent a large majority of the season playing with the same six defenders and hardly anyone else got into any action on that blueline. In fact, four of the defensemen played all 56 games and another got into 55. With Nick Leddy having been moved this offseason, Aho may appear to some to be a logical candidate to fill that void in light of his being an offensively oriented left-side defender, but few in the business can see him being entrusted with anything close to a top six role. The most likely scenario for Sebastian as long as he’s an Islander is that he’ll continue to serve solely as organizational depth until injuries set in and he perhaps excels in a more prolonged shot or finds himself suiting up for another franchise, either being traded or perhaps plucked from waivers should the Islanders look to reassign him to the AHL. - CL

William Dufour

A big power winger with soft hands, Dufour loves to put defenders on his back and drive the net. He has improved each year in the QMJHL and will play next season with Saint John, his fourth team in as many years. Improving his explosiveness is a must.

Reece Newkirk

After three very successful seasons with the Portland Winterhawks (WHL), Newkirk will turn pro this year and play with Bridgeport in the AHL. The tenacious playmaking center must show that his offensive skill set can translate to the next level.

Alex Jefferies

A fourth-round selection in 2020 out of The Gunnery prep school, Jefferies had a very good (albeit abbreviated) freshman year for Merrimack last season. The hockey program shut down early due to covid, but the strong skating and creative winger will look to be even better this year as a sophomore. A hidden gem in the Isles system?

Otto Koivula

A big, power winger, Koivula has not yet been able to have that breakthrough moment as a pro after three seasons in the AHL. His development appears to have stagnated, although he may get another shot this training camp to earn a fourth line role for the Islanders.

Alexander Ljungkrantz

The Islanders third round selection in 2020, Ljungkrantz is an intelligent, two-way forward who is still trying to establish himself as an SHL forward in Sweden. The hope is that he can find a consistent place in Brynas’ lineup this coming season and take that next step as an offensive player that the Islanders are looking for.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: New York Islanders Top 20 Prospects

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 19:53:03 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 New York Islanders prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here. https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2020-nhl-draft-team-reviews-metropolitan-reviews/

Ilya Sorokin, G (78^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 1)

Sorokin required patience as he spent six years honing his game in the KHL, winning one Gagarin Cup, one Olympic Gold Medal, and three World Championship bronzes. On the smaller side, he makes up for it with high end athleticism and a complete unwillingness to give up on any puck. He likes to challenge shooters but is calm in his crease and does not overcommit his positioning. If he has any kryptonite, it is on shots over his right (blocker) shoulder, where he stopped only 67% of shots last year, per InStatScout; generally when he gets too low in his crouch when the play is too close to the crease. All other potential holes were covered up at least 86% of the time. The only part of his game which does not project to easily above average at the NHL level is his puck handling, which is at a fine level for European goalies, but not notable in North America. The only significant question about Sorokin’s projection revolves around whether he can sustain his elite level of play in a lengthy NHL season, as the 25-year-old has never played more than 40 league games in any one year. - RW

Kieffer Bellows, LW (19^st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 2)

Bellows is on the cusp for making the permanent break into the NHL. The power forward has outsized expectations to meet when it comes to his ceiling as a player. He is strong, physical, capable of winning battles, and hard on the puck, all of which makes him difficult to play against. This past season, he made his NHL debut, putting up three points in eight games. He has recently shown improvements in his discipline and has been able to find a better groove last season. With any luck he can keep developing, thinking quicker, and learning to move the puck faster in order to prove that he deserves a top six spot. He still needs to work on keeping his feet moving throughout his shifts, and finding that extra gear more often, as well as his two-way play in order to be a complete player. Consistency is key and if Bellows can maintain the same level of focus and intensity each game it will be hard to deny him. - SC

Oliver Wahlstrom, RW (11^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

A product of the USNTDP, Wahlstrom plays a good forechecking game and has an impressive overall skill set. That said, he has yet to live up to his first-round billing. He was not ready for the NHL last season, as he needs more experience to increase his production, build his confidence, and quicken his general pace. Wahlstrom is a mature player with respect to his age and often stood out at the U20 national team level in terms of how he carried the puck and got to the net, however playing at the NHL level has had him more frustrated than confident when the puck is on his stick. In the AHL, he has fared well, but was still not standing out as much as he should or could. With the rate at which he has been developing, if he does not put up a strong season this year, working on staying ahead of the play, he will be at risk of falling onto the trade block. He will need to focus on his two-way play without losing any of the skilled power forward traits that made him so exciting at the draft to earn another NHL opportunity. - SC

Bode Wilde, D (41^st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

After starting the year in the AHL, but with very limited ice time, the Islanders sent Wilde back to the OHL to get appropriate minutes, but that, too, was cut short due to the pandemic. When he was able to play, he showed that his decision making still needs to improve and will likely be the key to him reaching his potential. He is still a risk taker who generates significant offense from the back end, but who also gives up his share of chances because of turnovers or lackluster coverage in transition. The increased pace of the AHL only exacerbated those flaws. On the other hand, Wilde retains a very high upside because of the raw tool set he possesses. He skates at a high level. He handles the puck at a high level. He has a terrific shot and scoring instincts from the back end. He flashes physical presence in the defensive end. At the top of his game, he can be a real difference maker, but the Islanders may have to be patient with him, as he gradually adapts his game to the pros. – BO

Simon Holmstrom, RW (23^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Holmstrom made the jump immediately from the draft to the AHL, where he did not look out of place as the season rolled along. He has a good work ethic and adapts well, which was evident in his growing confidence throughout the season. Holmstrom has the right mindset and maturity to make his NHL debut sooner than later, however he will still need to get a little stronger on the puck and more creative when trying to find open space. He already has the skating and puck handling ability to operate at the next level and these are small adjustments to be made considering right composure and attitude. Look to see him earn more special teams time as well next season. Should that happen, he will have more opportunities to carry the puck in game situations and get a better feel for setting up plays with the man advantage on the smaller, North American ice. He looks like a bottom six forward now, but that will only rise with more experience. – SC

Ruslan Iskhakov, RW (43^rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Ruslan Iskhakov was a gem of a find for the UConn coaching staff, who plucked him from Russia. That same year, Iskhakov was drafted in the second round, 43rd overall, by the Islanders. Before coming to UConn, he also spent a season and change playing in Slovakia as well as one season in the MHL, Russia’s top U20 league. He also represented Russia at the U-18 World Junior Championship. His defining characteristic is his speed – he is one of the fastest players in the East. However, his speed is still raw and could use some refining. At 5-8”, he is on the smaller side, but that is no longer a deal breaker in pro hockey. Despite his size, he is still aggressive and not afraid of playing a physical style. There is room in his game to mature and the speed of his hands to catch up with the speed of his feet. He is moving on from UConn to spend next season in Finland, with TPS. - JS

Joshua Ho-Sang, RW (28^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 7)

In a weird and controversial turn of events, Ho-Sang was loaned out last season club after requesting a trade when he was left off the opening night roster. He was not loaned to another league but rather a different NHL organization and affiliate with the San Antonio Rampage of the St. Louis Blues. Ho-Sang played just six games with the Rampage before being returned to the Islanders’ regular AHL club, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. It is no secret that Ho-Sang and management do not get along but for the talented and smooth skating forward next season is a make or break year. Due to his attitude on and off the ice it seems that the only way that Ho-Sang will be given any realistic chance is if he earns it, putting up a record year. He is not short on talent or offensive ability but the game is not played in one direction only and he will need significant work on his two way game before being given a shot at cracking the Islanders top six, that is if he doesn’t get traded first. - SC

Sebastian Aho, D (139^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 8)

For a defenseman, (“the other”) Sebastian Aho finished second in points for AHL Bridgeport this past season, sitting only one point behind Kieffer Bellows. He is a tremendously composed defender who carries the puck well and likes to set up plays. Aho makes carrying the puck look easy and his hockey IQ is very high which has him oftentimes setting up both breakouts and attacks making him an asset as a two-way player. Having not had a call up in over a season, the Islanders are making sure that he is better developed for the NHL game and this coming season should be a promising one for Aho who has proved to Bridgeport that he is up for a more challenging role with the NHL club. Aho has the potential now to be tried anywhere from the top pairing to the third as he is versatile and capable of playing well in all situations. - SC

Otto Koivula, LW (120^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 9)

Koivula is a big, bodied forward who moves well despite his size, possesses top quality hands, and a good shot. He finished with the Islanders last season, however with zero points to show after 12 games up in the NHL, there is a strong chance that he is likely to start back out in Bridgeport with the AHL’s Sound Tigers for the 2020-21 season. There is little that needs to be improved with Koivula in terms of skill but he will need to move the puck faster and learn to keep his feet moving better at the next level or else he runs the risk of falling behind the play again, instead of leading with his hands and strength. Koivula has a high ceiling if he can manage to put all the pieces to his game together and dial in to hit that extra gear next season should he get called back up to fill in on the Islanders’ bottom six. - SC

Anatoli Golyshev, LW (95^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

A small winger, who nonetheless shows no fear in playing in front of the net, Golyshev’s place on this list is both a farewell and a reminder to Islanders brass that they still control the rights of a gifted offensive talent in Russia, who has provided more than respectable numbers over the last three seasons in the KHL, but has not yet signed an Entry Level deal at 25 years old. He is fleet of foot and likes to cut across the slot, creating passing lanes for his linemates to find him with. Golyshev plays with a surprising amount of jam for a player of his small stature, somewhat reminiscent of a player like Tyler Ennis. He has soft hands and impressive puck control and can be a solid half-wall quarterback on the power play, given his vision and accurate passing. Again, somewhat reminiscent of Tyler Ennis. Golyshev signed a four-year deal with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg last year, so he won’t be coming anytime soon. A small, but notable waste of a resource. – RW

William Dufour, RW (152^nd overall, 2020. previous ranking: NA)

Following a trade to Drummondville at midseason last year, Dufour’s game took off, making him one of the higher scoring QMJHL draft eligibles in the second half. In his final 15 games, he had 26 points (15 goals). He is a powerful winger with upside who combines strength, good hockey sense, a plus shot. The progression in his game from month to month has been extremely impressive, although skating is not a strength. He drives the net, and his shot is heavy and deceptive, allowing him to score from anywhere. It is also notable that he grew a full 10 inches in the space of two years, suggesting that he is still learning how to work within his maturing body and making one wonder what his game will be like when he fully adjusts to an evolving skill set. There might be more to see in Dufour than we have yet been able to witness. He has more sleeper potential than anyone else in this system. – Brock Otten

Alexander Ljungkrantz, LW (90^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Tall and rangy, Ljungkrantz was a depth player for Sweden’s entry in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last year and parlayed that experience into a top six role on a (relatively) experienced Brynas junior squad, scoring 15 goas in his first experience at that level and even earning a call up to the senior side, where he scored his first SHL goal during his three game stint. Ljungkrantz projects as a power forward project who is still waiting for the power element to develop. He skates well and has finishing skills, making him a solid net front presence. A top scorer at the U16 level, there is still hope that more will come at the senior level, and he will receive a lengthier opportunity to show what he can do against men this year after a very strong start to his return engagement at the U20 level. The main improvement that could turn him from a project to a player is the development and refinement of his instincts, which have given his game a tentative feel so far. – RW

Robin Salo, D (46^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

Salo was the top defenseman for SaiPa in 2019-20 before being loaned to the SHL’s Örebro in the later part of the season. He logged big minutes and played with a lot of confidence with the puck. The improvement he made over the course of the season was quite impressive. He is now a well-rounded defenseman who plays an effective, mature game at both ends. He moves the puck well in transition, has good vision and shows offensive imagination. He has a precise wrist shot which he can unleash on the net through traffic. He reads the game really well without the puck, especially in the defensive zone. He uses strong positioning and a quick stick to maintain tight gap control. Skating is still not among his best attributes. The biggest issue is his stride which is clumsy and affects his mobility. He could be more explosive as well. Salo does not have one dominant trait, but he does many things well and his ability to read and anticipate the play are assets. - MB

Samuel Bolduc, D (57^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Bolduc is a tantalizing defenseman when you watch him at the point. He has a devastating slapshot that he fires with authority several times per game, and he skates well. He moves the puck well in the offensive zone and can distribute. He has excellent size for the pro game and looks to get even bigger as he fills out. However, while the size is a positive, he sometimes forgets that he is 6-4” and over 200 pounds, because he is not a physical defender. If he figures that out, he would be able to get off the bottom pair in terms of his potential, because he would use his solid raw power all over the ice to his advantage. His passing is inconsistent outside of the powerplay, and at times he struggles to recover from unforced errors, but all-around he has solid pro potential, as long as he learns to use his frame. He is signed to an entry-level deal and will start in the AHL next year. - MS

Reece Newkirk, C (147^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Newkirk’s competitiveness shines through in all he does on the ice. He is a hard forechecking, hard backchecking, meat-and-potatoes type of player that brings a consistent effort. As seen with his play last season he is able to play with skill players and carved out a role on a top line with Seth Jarvis most nights. Newkirk has improved across the board although his offensive talents will not be how he carves out a pro career. He isn’t a massive player, but he plays a heavy game for his size. He has solid vision and passing skills, that when added to his strong head for the game, make him a decent offensive player. He also reads open ice well, both finding it himself or taking it away defensively, reads breakouts well, and gets himself into places where he can be effective. He is a very effective players without the puck which helps him to generate more than his fair share of turnovers. – VG

Mitchell Vande Sompel, D (82^nd overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 14)

After playing a solid 70 game season in 2018-19, it was unfortunate that Vande Sompel spent the entirety of the 2019-20 season out with a serious arm injury. Despite being injured, he still remains on the prospect list as one of the Islanders top offensive defensemen outside of the NHL, capable of skating with the puck, passing, and getting into good shooting position. He has improved his defensive zone coverage a lot since his professional debut in the AHL and has turned into a more mature two-way player, especially compared to his offensively focused days in major junior. Next season, should Vande Sompel be healthy enough, will be a make or break year for him as he will need to prove that the smaller defender can withstand the rigors of the professional game, and is good enough to be called up and good enough to earn a bottom four spot in the NHL. - SC

Collin Adams, LW (170^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

An undersized late bloomer, Adams needed an extra year in the USHL (which typically doesn’t play many already drafted players) before moving on to North Dakota. After struggling mightily as an underclassman, Adams took a huge step forward in both responsibility and production as a junior last year, nearly doubling his combined point total from the previous two campaigns. The former sixth round pick may never be more than a bottom line energy player at the highest level, he plays with a respectable combination of puck skills, playmaking chops, two-way responsibility and grit to earn some fans among decision makers. Before he can make his mark professionally, he will need to continue to demonstrate improvements in his game as a senior, and if he can’t add on any additional muscle to his lean frame, perhaps he can add an extra gear to wheels that are currently known more for edges than speed. – RW

Parker Wotherspoon, D (112^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 16)

More than any other player in this system, Wotherspoon fits the profile of the type that works his way through the minor leagues and finds a perch in the NHL. There is very little flash to his game, yet he gets results. He doesn’t have any real weaknesses, but on the other hand, nothing about his play really jumps out. He is dependable at both ends. He tends to make good decisions and moves the puck well enough and yet, here he is, three years after turning pro without a single NHL game to his credit. The Islanders still like him enough to have given him a two-year contract extension this offseason, making him a likely candidate to be dangled in the upcoming expansion draft. Perhaps the trade of Devon Toews to Colorado will open the door for Wotherspoon to finally make his NHL debut because his game isn’t changing much, one way or the other, at Bridgeport. - RW

Grant Hutton, D (Undrafted Free Agent. Signed Mar. 21, 2019. Previous ranking: 18)

The best way to look at Hutton is in comparison to Wotherspoon. Hutton is a bit bigger, but not exceptionally so. Both are roughly average skaters. Both are two-way blueliners with well-rounded, if unexceptional skill sets. Both were recently given two-year contract extensions. Both have produced at the AHL level, but neither has put up eye-opening numbers that would force their way up to the NHL. While Wotherspoon shoots from the left side, Hutton is a right-handed shot. And we rank Wotherspoon above Hutton mostly because the former is still 23 while the latter is 25, having spent the full four seasons playing collegiately for Miami (Ohio) before signing as a free agent with the Islanders. Neither blueliner projects as much more than a third pairing defender, and either could reasonably step up and step into the lineup in limited minutes right now. Neither is exciting, but both can play, and it stands to reason that at least one of them will get NHL time this year, if not both of them. - RW

J. Greer, LW (Trade: Oct. 11, 2020. Originally: 39^thoverall, 2015 [Colorado]. Previous ranking: 14 [Colorado])

A scrappy, all-situations forward who just completed his fourth season at the AHL level, Greer possesses a unique combination of size, shooting dexterity, and underrated offensive skill. Always game to push the pace from shift to shift, the 2015 second-rounder is adept at making soft plays with his hands for a big man and has enough physical tools to be useful off the puck, especially on offense, where he can operate down low as a cycle option or a net-front presence. Defensively he is reliable, as the 23-year-old can pin down forwards against the boards and effectively cut off defensemen from pinching against the wall. Without much skating speed aside from his average acceleration and decent topflight pace, or any standout attributes that make him a unique prospect, I don’t know how he would fit into an NHL roster. But then again, he is still only 23 and can make for a useful fourth-line player in the future for the cap strapped Islanders, who acquired him in the offseason from Colorado in exchange for AHL defender Kyle Burroughs. - TD

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:09:56 +0000

These are our final prospect ranking prior to the start of the season. As a subscriber you can download the list in an excel chart and can link to the player pages in the chart found here. As always, the rankings you see below are based on our 20-80 scouting system looking at five categories for skaters (Skating, Shot, Puck Skills, Hockey Smarts, Physicality) and six for netminders (Athleticism/Quickness/Speed, Compete/Temperament, Vision/Play Reading, Technique/Style, Rebound Control, Puck Handling). Our prospect team spent large portions of their last few months pre-COVID in the rinks, watching the players below and many others, and further work on video (Instat Hockey has been a terrific resource in recent days) before passing judgement on their future projections.

The 20-80 scouting system is meant to allow players from different leagues in different parts of the world to be compared to one another, such that grades on a player in the OHL can be directly compared to grades from an AHL player, and to grades of someone playing in the MHL.

PROSPECT CRITERIA

Players under 26 years of age as of the September 15th prior (Sep. 15, 1994) to the season in question who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in any one season – or 25 last year (20 for goalies, 15 last season) are considered prospects

RANK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	ACQUIRED
1	Alexis Lafreniere	NYR	LW	19	6-1/195	`20(1st)
2	Tim Stutzle	Ott	C	18	6-1/185	`20(3rd)
3	Quinton Byfield	LA	C	18	6-4/215	`20(2nd)
4	Trevor Zegras	Ana	C	19	6-0/170	`19(9th)
5	Kirill Kaprizov	Min	LW	23	5-10/200	`15(135th)
6	Lucas Raymond	Det	LW	18	5-11/170	`20(4th)
7	Dylan Cozens	Buf	C	19	6-3/185	`19(7th)
8	Bowen Byram	Col	D	19	6-0/195	`19(4th)
9	Peyton Krebs	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`19(17th)
10	Jake Sanderson	Ott	D	18	6-1/185	`20(5th)
11	Moritz Seider	Det	D	19	6-3/185	`19(6th)
12	Jamie Drysdale	Ana	D	18	5-11/175	`20(6th)
13	Igor Shesterkin	NYR	G	25	6-1/190	`14(118th)
14	Alexander Holtz	NJ	RW	18	6-0/190	`20(7th)
15	Cole Perfetti	Wpg	LW	19	5-10/180	`20(10th)
16	Marco Rossi	Min	C	19	5-9/185	`20(9th)
17	Vasili Podkolzin	Van	RW	19	6-1/190	`19(10th)
18	Victor Soderstrom	Ari	D	19	5-11/180	`19(11th)
19	Nick Robertson	Tor	LW	19	5-9/160	`19(53rd)
20	Cole Caufield	Mtl	RW	19	5-7/165	`19(15th)
21	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	18	6-3/175	`20(11th)
22	Spencer Knight	Fla	G	19	6-3/195	`19(13th)
23	Philip Broberg	Edm	D	19	6-3/200	`19(8th)
24	Jack Quinn	Buf	RW	19	6-0/180	`20(8th)
25	Matthew Boldy	Min	LW	19	6-1/190	`19(12th)
26	Nils Lundkvist	NYR	D	20	5-11/180	`18(28th)
27	Seth Jarvis	Car	RW	18	5-10/175	`20(13th)
28	Ty Smith	NJ	D	20	5-10/180	`18(17th)
29	Grigori Denisenko	Fla	LW	20	5-11/185	`18(15th)
30	Barrett Hayton	Ari	C	20	6-1/190	`18(5th)
31	Alex Newhook	Col	C	19	5-10/195	`19(16th)
32	Thomas Harley	Dal	D	19	6-3/190	`19(18th)
33	Alex Turcotte	LA	C	19	5-11/185	`19(5th)
34	Vitali Kravtsov	NYR	RW	21	6-3/185	`18(9th)
35	Philip Tomasino	Nsh	C	19	5-11/180	`19(24th)
36	Connor McMichael	Wsh	C	19	5-11/175	`19(25th)
37	Dawson Mercer	NJ	C	19	6-0/180	`20(18th)
38	Ilya Sorokin	NYI	G	25	6-2/180	`14(78th)
39	Gabriel Vilardi	LA	RW	21	6-3/200	`17(11th)
40	Ryan Merkley	SJ	D	20	5-11/170	`18(21st)
41	Alexander Romanov	Mtl	D	20	5-11/185	`18(38th)
42	Kaiden Guhle	Mtl	D	18	6-2/190	`20(16th)
43	Samuel Poulin	Pit	LW	19	6-1/205	`19(21st)
44	K'Andre Miller	NYR	D	20	6-3/205	`18(22nd)
45	Scott Perunovich	StL	D	22	5-10/175	`18(45th)
46	Evan Bouchard	Edm	D	21	6-2/195	`18(10th)
47	Braden Schneider	NYR	D	19	6-2/200	`20(19th)
48	Juuso Valimaki	Cgy	D	22	6-2/205	`17(16th)
49	Cam York	Phi	D	19	5-11/175	`19(14th)
50	Anton Lundell	Fla	C	19	6-1/185	`20(12th)
51	Morgan Frost	Phi	C	21	5-11/180	`17(27th)
52	Owen Tippett	Fla	RW	21	6-1/200	`17(10th)
53	Albert Johansson	Det	D	19	5-11/165	`19(60th)
54	Liam Foudy	CBJ	C	20	6-0/175	`18(18th)
55	Kieffer Bellows	NYI	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(19th)
56	Arthur Kaliyev	LA	RW	19	6-2/190	`19(33rd)
57	Oliver Wahlstrom	NYI	RW	20	6-1/205	`18(11th)
58	Nils Hoglander	Van	RW	20	5-9/185	`19(40th)
59	Matias Maccelli	Ari	LW	20	5-11/170	`19(98th)
60	Tobias Bjornfot	LA	D	19	6-0/200	`19(22nd)
61	Jacob Bernard-Docker	Ott	D	20	6-0/180	`18(26th)
62	Connor Zary	Cgy	C	19	6-0/180	`20(24th)
63	Dominik Bokk	Car	RW	20	6-1/180	T(StL-9/19)
64	Ryan Suzuki	Car	C	19	6-0/180	`19(28th)
65	Dylan Samberg	Wpg	D	21	6-3/190	`17(43rd)
66	Jake Bean	Car	D	22	6-1/175	`16(13th)
67	Josh Norris	Ott	C	21	6-1/195	T(SJ-9/18)
68	Rasmus Kupari	LA	C	20	6-1/185	`18(20th)
69	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	19	5-9/165	`19(26th)
70	Drake Batherson	Ott	RW	22	6-1/190	`17(121st)
71	Jan Jenik	Ari	RW	20	6-1/180	`18(65th)
72	John-Jason Peterka	Buf	LW	18	5-11/190	`20(34th)
73	Kirill Marchenko	CBJ	LW	20	6-3/190	`18(49th)
74	Bode Wilde	NYI	D	20	6-2/195	`18(41st)
75	John Beecher	Bos	C	19	6-3/210	`19(30th)
76	Tyler Madden	LA	C	21	5-10/155	T(Van-2/20)
77	Jack Studnicka	Bos	C	21	6-1/170	`17(53rd)
78	Jake Oettinger	Dal	G	22	6-4/210	`17(26th)
79	Alex Formenton	Ott	LW	21	6-2/165	`17(47th)
80	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	19	6-3/200	`19(49th)
81	Calen Addison	Min	D	20	5-10/180	T(Pit-2/20)
82	Ty Dellandrea	Dal	C	20	6-0/185	`18(13th)
83	Akil Thomas	LA	C	20	5-11/170	`18(51st)
84	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	18	5-10/180	`20(30th)
85	Ian Mitchell	Chi	D	21	5-11/175	`17(57th)
86	Jason Robertson	Dal	LW	21	6-2/195	`17(39th)
87	Hendrix Lapierre	Wsh	C	18	5-11/180	`20(22nd)
88	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`20(29th)
89	Theodor Niederbach	Det	C	18	5-11/175	`20(51st)
90	Zac Jones	NYR	D	20	5-10/175	`19(68th)
91	Robert Mastrosimone	Det	LW	19	5-10/160	`19(54th)
92	Joe Veleno	Det	C	20	6-1/195	`18(30th)
93	Rodion Amirov	Tor	LW	19	6-0/170	`20(15th)
94	Jake Neighbours	StL	LW	18	5-11/195	`20(26th)
95	Julien Gauthier	NYR	RW	23	6-4/225	T(Car-2/20)
96	Justus Annunen	Col	G	20	6-4/215	`18(64th)
97	Egor Zamula	Phi	D	20	6-4/175	FA(9/18)
98	Shane Pinto	Ott	C	20	6-2/190	`19(32nd)
99	Noel Gunler	Car	RW	19	6-2/175	`20(41st)
100	Ridly Greig	Ott	C	18	5-11/165	`20(28th)
101	Jesse Ylonen	Mtl	RW	21	6-1/185	`18(35th)
102	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	20	6-0/195	`19(50th)
103	Mattias Norlinder	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`19(64th)
104	Olli Juolevi	Van	D	22	6-3/200	`16(5th)
105	Kristian Vesalainen	Wpg	LW	21	6-3/205	`17(24th)
106	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	20	6-4/195	`19(38th)
107	Jan Mysak	Mtl	C	18	5-11/180	`20(49th)
108	Cayden Primeau	Mtl	G	21	6-3/180	`17(199th)
109	Pavel Dorofeyev	VGK	LW	20	6-1/170	`19(79th)
110	Morgan Barron	NYR	C	22	6-2/200	`17(174th)
111	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	19	5-11/180	`19(20th)
112	Dylan Holloway	Edm	C	19	6-0/205	`20(14th)
113	Jack Dugan	VGK	RW	22	6-2/185	`17(142nd)
114	Alexander Khovanov	Min	C	20	5-11/195	`18(86th)
115	Jacob Perreault	Ana	RW	18	5-11/195	`20(27th)
116	Jake Evans	Mtl	C	24	6-0/185	`14(207th)
117	Adam Beckman	Min	LW	19	6-1/170	`19(75th)
118	Jett Woo	Van	D	20	6-0/205	`18(37th)
119	Nolan Foote	NJ	LW	20	6-3/190	T(TB-2/20)
120	Logan Brown	Ott	C	22	6-6/220	`16(11th)
121	Martin Kaut	Col	RW	21	6-1/175	`18(16th)
122	Jack Rathbone	Van	D	21	5-10/175	`17(95th)
123	Ozzy Wiesblatt	SJ	RW	18	5-10/185	`20(31st)
124	Ryan O'Rourke	Min	D	18	6-0/180	`20(39th)
125	Lukas Reichel	Chi	LW	18	6-0/170	`20(17th)
126	Jordan Harris	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`18(71st)
127	Lukas Dostal	Ana	G	20	6-1/170	`18(85th)
128	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/205	`19(45th)
129	Conor Timmins	Col	D	22	6-1/185	`17(32nd)
130	Lassi Thomson	Ott	D	20	6-0/190	`19(19th)
131	Eeli Tolvanen	Nsh	RW	21	5-10/175	`17(30th)
132	Kasper Simontaival	LA	RW	18	5-9/180	`20(66th)
133	Roni Hirvonen	Tor	C	18	5-9/165	`20(59th)
134	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	18	5-9/180	`20(38th)
135	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	Ana	C	20	6-1/195	`18(54th)
136	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	18	6-4/200	`20(44th)
137	Tyson Foerster	Phi	C	18	6-1/195	`20(23rd)
138	Helge Grans	LA	D	18	6-2/205	`20(35th)
139	Jonathan Dahlen	SJ	LW	23	5-11/185	T(Van-2/19)
140	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	18	5-11/175	`20(37th)
141	Alexander Alexeyev	Wsh	D	21	6-3/200	`18(31st)
142	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	Pit	D	21	6-2/170	`17(23rd)
143	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	18	5-10/160	`20(64th)
144	Oskari Laaksonen	Buf	D	21	6-2/165	`17(89th)
145	Filip Hallander	Tor	LW	20	6-1/185	T(Pit-8/20)
146	Serron Noel	Fla	RW	20	6-5/205	`18(34th)
147	Martin Chromiak	LA	LW	18	6-0/185	`20(128th)
148	Shakir Mukhamadullin	NJ	D	18	6-3/180	`20(20th)
149	Mattias Samuelsson	Buf	D	20	6-3/215	`18(32nd)
150	Janne Kuokkanen	NJ	LW	22	6-1/190	T(Car-2/20)
151	Ryan Johnson	Buf	D	19	6-0/175	`19(31st)
152	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	19	5-8/175	`20(124th)
153	Martin Fehervary	Wsh	D	21	6-1/190	`18(46th)
154	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	Buf	G	21	6-4/195	`17(54th)
155	Will Lockwood	Van	RW	22	5-11/175	`16(64th)
156	Isac Lundestrom	Ana	C	21	6-0/185	`18(23rd)
157	Michael DiPietro	Van	G	21	6-0/195	`17(64th)
158	Jonatan Berggren	Det	RW	20	5-10/185	`18(33rd)
159	Kevin Bahl	NJ	D	20	6-6/230	T(Ari-12/19)
160	Aliaksei Protas	Wsh	C	19	6-5/205	`19(91st)
161	Reilly Walsh	NJ	D	21	5-11/180	`17(81st)
162	Nick Abruzzese	Tor	C	21	5-9/160	`19(124th)
163	Tyler Tucker	StL	D	20	6-1/205	`18(200th)
164	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	19	5-10/170	`19(129th)
165	Klim Kostin	StL	C	21	6-3/195	`17(31st)
166	Brayden Tracey	Ana	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(29th)
167	Joel Hofer	StL	G	20	6-3/160	`18(107th)
168	Joey Anderson	Tor	RW	22	6-0/195	T(NJ-10/20)
169	Yegor Spiridonov	SJ	C	19	6-2/195	`19(108th)
170	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	19	6-1/205	`20(36th)
171	Joey Keane	Car	D	21	6-0/185	T(NYR-2/20)
172	Jared McIsaac	Det	D	20	6-1/195	`18(36th)
173	Jamieson Rees	Car	C	19	5-10/175	`19(44th)
174	Ivan Morozov	VGK	C	20	6-1/180	`18(61st)
175	Rem Pitlick	Nsh	C	23	5-11/200	`16(76th)
176	Tyce Thompson	NJ	RW	21	6-0/170	`19(96th)
177	Michael McLeod	NJ	C	22	6-2/195	`16(12th)
178	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	LA	C	21	5-11/190	`17(41st)
179	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	19	6-0/165	`19(214th)
180	Antti Tuomisto	Det	D	19	6-4/190	`19(35th)
181	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	18	5-9/155	`20(134th)
182	Luke Evangelista	Nsh	RW	18	5-11/170	`20(42nd)
183	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	18	6-1/180	`20(52nd)
184	Joni Ikonen	Mtl	C	21	5-10/170	`17(58th)
185	Olivier Rodrigue	Edm	G	20	6-1/165	`18(62nd)
186	Lucas Elvenes	VGK	RW	21	6-0/175	`17(127th)
187	Anthony Angello	Pit	RW	24	6-5/205	`14(145th)
188	Tuukka Tieksola	Car	RW	19	5-10/160	`19(121st)
189	Declan Chisholm	Wpg	D	20	6-1/190	`18(150th)
190	Cole Koepke	TB	LW	22	6-1/195	`18(183rd)
191	Valtteri Puustinen	Pit	RW	21	5-9/185	`19(203rd)
192	Ty Smilanic	Fla	C	18	6-1/175	`20(74th)
193	Patrik Puistola	Car	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(73rd)
194	Justin Barron	Col	D	19	6-2/190	`20(25th)
195	Andrew Peeke	CBJ	D	22	6-3/210	`16(34th)
196	Michael Vukojevic	NJ	D	19	6-3/210	`19(82nd)
197	Alec Regula	Chi	D	20	6-3/200	T(Det-10/19)
198	Connor Corcoran	VGK	D	20	6-1/185	`18(154th)
199	Jeremy Swayman	Bos	G	22	6-1/190	`17(111th)
200	Pyotr Kochetkov	Car	G	21	6-1/175	`19(36th)
201	Mikey Anderson	LA	D	21	6-0/195	`17(103rd)
202	Carter Savoie	Edm	LW	18	5-9/190	`20(100th)
203	Samuel Walker	TB	C	21	5-11/160	`17(200th)
204	William Wallinder	Det	D	18	6-4/190	`20(32nd)
205	Jack Drury	Car	C	20	5-11/180	`18(42nd)
206	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	18	5-9/185	`20(54th)
207	Cal Petersen	LA	G	26	6-3/190	FA(7/17)
208	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	18	6-0/200	`20(72nd)
209	Tarmo Reunanen	NYR	D	22	6-0/180	`16(98th)
210	Simon Holmstrom	NYI	RW	19	6-1/185	`19(23rd)
211	Aleksi Saarela	Fla	RW	23	5-11/200	T(Chi-10/19)
212	Anton Johannesson	Wpg	D	18	5-9/155	`20(133rd)
213	Lauri Pajuniemi	NYR	RW	21	6-0/185	`18(132nd)
214	Morgan Geekie	Car	C	22	6-2/180	`17(67th)
215	Shane Bowers	Col	C	21	6-2/190	T(Ott-11/17)
216	Sasha Chmelevski	SJ	C	21	5-11/190	`17(185th)
217	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	20	5-8/155	`18(43rd)
218	Cole Schwindt	Fla	RW	19	6-2/185	`19(81st)
219	Hugo Alnefelt	TB	G	19	6-3/195	`19(71st)
220	Nikita Okhotyuk	NJ	D	20	6-1/195	`19(61st)
221	Sampo Ranta	Col	LW	20	6-2/205	`18(78th)
222	Alexander Volkov	TB	LW	23	6-1/190	`17(48th)
223	Alexander True	SJ	C	23	6-5/205	FA(7/18)
224	John Leonard	SJ	C	22	5-11/190	`18(182nd)
225	Carl Grundstrom	LA	LW	23	6-0/195	T(Tor-1/19)
226	Dmitri Semykin	TB	D	20	6-3/200	`18(90th)
227	Cal Foote	TB	D	22	6-4/215	`17(14th)
228	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	18	5-11/175	`20(75th)
229	Alex Barre-Boulet	TB	C	23	5-10/165	FA(3/18)
230	Tristen Robins	SJ	RW	19	5-10/175	`20(56th)
231	Max Gildon	Fla	D	21	6-3/190	`17(66th)
232	Nikita Alexandrov	StL	C	20	6-0/180	`19(62nd)
233	Michael Benning	Fla	D	18	5-9/180	`20(95th)
234	Justin Sourdif	Fla	RW	18	5-11/175	`20(87th)
235	Tanner Laczynski	Phi	C	23	6-1/200	`16(169th)
236	Eamon Powell	TB	D	18	5-11/165	`20(116th)
237	Kaedan Korczak	VGK	D	19	6-3/190	`19(41st)
238	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	18	6-1/180	`20(47th)
239	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	21	5-10/175	`18(171st)
240	Pius Suter	Chi	C	24	5-11/170	FA(7/20)
241	Wade Allison	Phi	RW	23	6-2/205	`16(52nd)
242	Bobby Brink	Phi	RW	19	5-10/165	`19(34th)
243	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	18	5-10/180	`20(68th)
244	David Farrance	Nsh	D	21	5-11/190	`17(92nd)
245	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	18	6-2/185	`20(33rd)
246	Dmitri Voronkov	CBJ	LW	20	6-4/190	`19(114th)
247	German Rubtsov	Phi	C	22	6-2/190	`16(22nd)
248	Vitaly Abramov	Ott	RW	22	5-9/175	T(CBJ-2/19)
249	Alex Laferriere	LA	RW	19	6-0/175	`20(83rd)
250	Trey Fix-Wolansky	CBJ	RW	21	5-8/185	`18(204th)
251	Isaac Ratcliffe	Phi	LW	21	6-5/200	`17(35th)
252	Kale Clague	LA	D	22	6-0/180	`16(51st)
253	Landon Slaggert	Chi	LW	18	5-11/180	`20(79th)
254	Wyatt Kalynuk	Chi	D	23	6-1/180	FA(7/20)
255	Mikko Kokkonen	Tor	D	19	5-11/200	`19(84th)
256	Kevin Mandolese	Ott	G	20	6-4/180	`18(157th)
257	Daniil Tarasov	CBJ	G	21	6-5/185	`17(86th)
258	Evan Barratt	Chi	C	21	6-0/190	`17(90th)
259	Tyler Benson	Edm	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(32nd)
260	Yegor Korshkov	Tor	RW	24	6-4/215	`16(31st)
261	Hunter Skinner	NYR	D	19	6-2/175	`19(112th)
262	Riley Damiani	Dal	C	20	5-9/165	`18(137th)
263	Ryan McLeod	Edm	C	21	6-2/205	`18(40th)
264	Ilya Konovalov	Edm	G	22	6-0/195	`19(85th)
265	Will Cuylle	NYR	LW	18	6-3/205	`20(60th)
266	Evan Vierling	NYR	C	18	6-0/165	`20(127th)
267	Emil Heineman	Fla	LW	19	6-0/180	`20(43rd)
268	Zayde Wisdom	Phi	RW	18	5-10/195	`20(94th)
269	Hunter Jones	Min	G	20	6-4/195	`19(59th)
270	Ty Tullio	Edm	RW	18	5-10/165	`20(126th)
271	Jordan Spence	LA	D	19	5-10/165	`19(95th)
272	Dmitri Zavgorodny	Cgy	LW	20	5-9/175	`18(198th)
273	Alex Beaucage	Col	RW	19	6-1/195	`19(78th)
274	Matiss Kivlenieks	CBJ	G	24	6-2/190	FA(5/17)
275	Artyom Zub	Ott	D	25	6-2/200	FA(5/20)
276	Urho Vaakanainen	Bos	D	22	6-0/185	`17(18th)
277	Dmitri Samorukov	Edm	D	21	6-2/180	`17(84th)
278	Michal Teply	Chi	LW	19	6-3/185	`19(105th)
279	Colby Ambrosio	Col	C	18	5-8/170	`20(118th)
280	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	20	6-7/195	`19(37th)
281	Jeremy Lauzon	Bos	D	23	6-3/205	`15(52nd)
282	Dennis Gilbert	Col	D	24	6-2/200	T(Chi-10/20)
283	Trent Frederic	Bos	C	22	6-4/215	`16(29th)
284	Lucas Carlsson	Chi	D	23	6-0/190	`16(110th)
285	Zack Macewen	Van	RW	24	6-3/205	FA(3/17)
286	Brandon Hagel	Chi	LW	22	6-1/175	FA(10/18)
287	Vasily Ponomarev	Car	C	18	5-10/180	`20(53rd)
288	Jakub Zboril	Bos	D	23	6-1/200	`15(13th)
289	Garrett Pilon	Wsh	RW	22	5-11/190	`16(87th)
290	Jeremy Bracco	Car	RW	23	5-9/180	FA(10/20)
291	Dylan Sikura	VGK	RW	25	6-0/170	T(Chi-9/20)
292	Kyle Capobianco	Ari	D	23	6-1/180	`15(63rd)
293	Sami Niku	Wpg	D	24	6-0/175	`15(198th)
294	John Farinacci	Ari	C	19	5-11/185	`19(76th)
295	Jackson Lacombe	Ana	D	19	6-1/170	`19(39th)
296	David Cotton	Car	LW	23	6-3/205	`15(169th)
297	Erik Portillo	Buf	G	20	6-6/210	`19(67th)
298	Jacob Truscott	Van	D	18	6-1/170	`20(144th)
299	Mikhail Berdin	Wpg	G	22	6-2/165	`16(157th)
300	Cam Hillis	Mtl	C	20	5-10/170	`18(66th)

Ruslan Iskhakov – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

Risers

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

Theo Lindstein (185 to 91) – St. Louis Blues

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

Fallers

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #30 New York Islanders – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

1. William Dufour, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

2. Ruslan Iskhakov, C, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

3. Danny Nelson, C, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

4. Calle Odelius, D, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

5. Matt Maggio, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

6. Alex Jefferies, LW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

7. Quinn Finley, LW, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

8. Justin Gill, C, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

9. Cameron Berg, C, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

10. Isaiah George, D, London Knights (OHL)

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #28

Top 20 New York Islander Prospects

1. William Dufour

2. Samuel Bolduc

3. Ruslan Iskhakov

4. Calle Odelius

5. Danny Nelson

6. Matt Maggio

7. Otto Koivula

8. Alex Jeffries

9. Quinn Finley

10. Jesse Nurmi

11. Isaiah George

12. Eetu Liukas

13. Robin Salo

14. Cameron Berg

15. Arnaud Durandeau

16. Tristan Lennox

17. Jakub Skarek

18. Daylan Kueffler

19. Travis Mitchell

20. Aidan Fulp

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #26 New York Islanders

Prospect System Ranking – 26th (30th last year)

AHL: BELL – Stock Up, Stock Down – 10 Early Impressions

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospects

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: NEW YORK ISLANDERS – RANK: #31 – TIER VII

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: New York Islanders Top 20 Prospects

Ilya Sorokin, G (78th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 1)

Kieffer Bellows, LW (19st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 2)

Oliver Wahlstrom, RW (11th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

Bode Wilde, D (41st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Simon Holmstrom, RW (23rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Ruslan Iskhakov, RW (43rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Prospect System Ranking – 26^th (30^th last year)

Ilya Sorokin, G (78^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 1)

Kieffer Bellows, LW (19^st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 2)

Oliver Wahlstrom, RW (11^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

Bode Wilde, D (41^st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Simon Holmstrom, RW (23^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Ruslan Iskhakov, RW (43^rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Joshua Ho-Sang, RW (28^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 7)

Sebastian Aho, D (139^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 8)

Otto Koivula, LW (120^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 9)

Anatoli Golyshev, LW (95^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

William Dufour, RW (152^nd overall, 2020. previous ranking: NA)

Alexander Ljungkrantz, LW (90^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Robin Salo, D (46^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

Samuel Bolduc, D (57^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Reece Newkirk, C (147^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Mitchell Vande Sompel, D (82^nd overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 14)

Collin Adams, LW (170^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

Parker Wotherspoon, D (112^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 16)

J. Greer, LW (Trade: Oct. 11, 2020. Originally: 39^thoverall, 2015 [Colorado]. Previous ranking: 14 [Colorado])