BUFFALO, NY -- The New York Islanders interviewed over 60 draft-eligible prospects at the 2025 NHL Draft Combine last week.
While having the first overall selection means the Islanders get thier pick of the litter, there are really only a few names worthy of hearing their name called first.
But, it's also clear that general manager Mathieu Darche did his due dilligence despite having a late second-round pick after No. 1.
Islanders Do Their Due Dilligence At 2025 NHL Draft Combine
<b>BUFFALO, NY --</b> The <a href="http://thn.com/isles">New York Islanders</a> did their due dilligence at the 2025 NHL Draft Combine.
There's one player that the Islanders interviewed that I'd keep an eye on. His name is Cameron Schmidt of the Vancouver Giants.
The 17-year-old had a monster year with 78 points (40 G, 38 A) and turned heads at the combine — especially with a first-place finish in the bench press (7.82 watts/kg).
He's projected to go 22nd by Elite Prospects, with the Islanders second pick coming in at No. 42.
Here's what our The Hockey News Draft guru Tony Ferrari had to say about the 5-foot-7 forward:
"There aren’t many players in this draft with the kind of one-shot scoring ability Schmidt has. But he’s an undersized right winger who can take his foot off the gas at times, so teams may view his flaws as bigger red flags. Schmidt can fly in transition, and when he unleashes his shot on the rush, he can beat a goalie clean. He has a lightning-quick release, and he loves to change the angle as he shoots. Schmidt also brings a bit of snarl, getting into his fair share of shenanigans during and after play."
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"I think all conversations are pretty similar. Just trying to get to know me as a personal and a player off the ice," Schmidt told myself and Ethan Sears of the New York Post following his combine workout. "I'd say I'm an offensive force. I like to use my speed and all my skills to create chances for myself and my teammates. I think I have a good shot and a good hockey sense to get in those areas to use it."
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