Islanders Prospect Quinn Finley's Collegiate Season Over; Now What?

University of Wisconsin Badgers forward and New York Islanders’ 2022 third-round pick (No. 78) Quinn Finley’s season has come to an end.

Despite Finley recording a goal and primary assist, the Badgers fell to Ohio State University 3-2 in Game 3 of the quarterfinal round in the 2025 Big Ten Hockey Tournament.

After scoring 16 points (10 goals, six assists) in 36 games as a freshman, the 20-year-old sophomore broke out for the Badgers in 2024-25, scoring 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 37 games, leading the team in both goals and points. 

His dominant season showcased his powerful and deceptive shot, awareness, and ability to use open ice.

While his strength, skating, and defensive game still have room to grow, his upside is viewed as a middle-six winger and power play specialist, offering a similar play style to Anaheim Ducks winger, Robby Fabbri.

While the Badgers’ season is over, Finley’s may not be, depending on his next steps.

The winger could sign either an entry-level contract with the Islanders or an amateur tryout (ATO) with the Bridgeport Islanders, as he is likely not NHL-ready. 

Signing an entry-level contract would give the Islanders the option to play Finley in the NHL this season, but would also burn one season of the contract.

That's something the Islanders are avoiding with newly acquired prospect Calum Ritchie:

An ATO would limit Finley to the AHL for the remainder of the season but allow him to gain up to 15 of Bridgeport’s remaining games.

Notably, Islanders prospect Alex Jefferies signed an ATO on March 20, 2024, following his season at Merrimack College. 

He then played 12 games with Bridgeport, scoring seven points (four goals, three assists).

Finley turning professional is no guarantee, as he still has two seasons of NCAA eligibility.

While opting to remain in college would conclude his 2024-25 season, it could make sense if the Islanders view Wisconsin as a better place to develop Finley than Bridgeport.

Staying in college would allow Finley to develop with consistent ice time on the Badgers’ top line and power play, while turning professional would challenge him in a more physical league – an area scouts have identified as a weakness in his game.

Finley will likely make a decision on his future soon, as his teammate in Wisconsin and Pittsburgh Penguins 2021 seventh-round pick (No. 215), Daniel Laatsch, recently signed an entry-level contract.

Michael Ostrower contributed to this report. 

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