The veteran center is mentoring the high-scoring first-round pick as both prepare for 2026, showcasing Horvat’s leadership while Aitcheson readies for his anticipated professional debut in the AHL.
New York Islanders veteran center Bo Horvat was seen training with one of the team's top prospects, defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, as the two prepare for the coming 2026-27 season:
Aitcheson, who recently attended the team's development camp from June 29 through July 2, was selected by the Islanders with the 17th pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The 19-year-old earned placement on the CHL and OHL First All-Star Teams after leading the OHL in goals (28) and points (70) as captain of the Barrie Colts last season.
Seeing NHL ice in the coming season is not necessarily out of the question, but the extensive depth on the left side of the organization’s blue line and Aitcheson's lack of professional experience make 2027-28 a more realistic timeline for him to push for an NHL roster spot.
Instead, he is expected to start 2026-27 with the Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League.
Horvat, who led the Islanders with 31 goals in 2025-26, is once again reflecting his leadership as he remains a candidate to replace Anders Lee as the 16th captain in franchise history.
