Despite making just one first-round selection from 2019 through 2023, the New York Islanders are in a position they haven’t been in quite some time:
They have an exciting prospect pool.
Stefen Rosner & Michael Ostrower wrote this story.
After making the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and acquiring an extra first-round pick in 2026 or 2027 courtesy of the Colorado Avalanche, the team’s future has shifted from bleak to exciting, providing the fan base with some much-needed optimism.
Following the 2025 NHL Draft, here is how the Islanders' prospect pool stacks up.
Nearly Made the List: Gleb Veremyev, Alex Jefferies, Xavier Veilleux, Zach Schulz, Matthew Maggio, Cameron Berg, Jesse Nurmi
Honorable Mention: Calle Odelius | Left Defenseman | Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) | 62GP, 1G, 12A, 13P | Drafted in 2022 (No. 65)
It was a rough 2024-25 season for the Bridgeport Islanders, and Calle Odelius was no exception. The 21-year-old defenseman made his North American debut and struggled at times, both offensively and defensively.
When adjusting to his new team, Odelius was often outmatched in size and strength, especially struggling against larger opponents due to his 6-foot frame.
Despite his struggles, the Islanders’ 2022 second-round pick should continue developing in Bridgeport’s top-four and on the power play, especially with Rocky Thompson’s new coaching staff.
With a surplus of left-handed defensemen in the system, it is difficult to project if, and to what extent, Odelius will be given a look in the NHL, but his skillset is enough to warrant an honorable mention.
15. Jesse Pulkkinen | Left Defenseman | JYP (LIIGA) & Bridgeport (AHL) | 38GP, 3G, 5A, 8P & 10GP, 0G, 1A, 1P | Drafted in 2024 (No. 54)
An overager at the 2024 NHL Draft, Jesse Pulkkinen was a high-upside swing, landing the Islanders a 6-foot-6 defenseman who some scouts graded as a first-round talent.
His first season within the organization yielded mixed results, ultimately culminating in a brief stint in Bridgeport, where he recorded one assist in 10 games.
With a new coaching staff in Bridgeport, Pulkkinen enters a pivotal 2025-26 season that will test whether his unicorn-like skill set, featuring size, soft hands, and elite vision, can translate into production at the North American professional level.
His skating is currently holding him back, so any improvement in that area would go a long way in his NHL ambitions.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: While his skating needs work, he certainly looks to be improving in that area. For a big body, his ability to be mobile, especially on the blue, is key
14. Tomas Poletin | Left Wing | Lahti Pelicans (Liiga) & Lahti Pelicans U20 (U20) | 15GP, 0G, 0A, 0P & 25GP, 13G, 7A, 20P | Drafted in 2025 (No. 106)
Another recent addition to the Islanders' pool is winger Tomas Poletin.
Standing 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Poletin is a true power forward who is unafraid to drive the net and engage in puck battles.
He was recently selected first overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, and transitioning from a European to North American style of hockey always presents a challenge.
However, when competing against North American talent, Poletin has impressed, and Kelowna has a promising history of developing its imports into NHL-caliber players.
While he has a long way to go to reach the NHL, Poletin could have a future in the Islanders' depth if he improves his goal scoring and overall offensive game.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: He's the definition of a power forward and showcased his physicalty very well.
13. Dmitri Gamzin | Goaltender | CSKA Moskva (KHL) | 24GP, 2.24 GAA, .928 SV%, 2 SO, 7-8-6 Record| Drafted in 2024 (No. 115)
Dmitri Gamzin was 21 years old when the Islanders selected him in 2024, but his early production in the system is strong enough to warrant placement on this list.
Playing for an average KHL team, Gamzin’s athleticism and positioning quickly stood out last season.
Notably, he finished 2024-25 with a better GAA and SV% than any of his teammate netminders, including Ivan Prosvetov, a 24-game NHL veteran recently signed to be the Calgary Flames' backup.
Gamzin is signed with CSKA through 2026-27, but if he stays on his current trajectory, the 6-foot-3 netminder could have a real shot at reaching the NHL.
*He did not attend development camp
12. Kamil Bednarik | Center | Boston University (NCAA) | 40GP, 2G, 17A, 19P | Drafted in 2024 (No. 61)
While Kamil Bednarik’s statline does not stand out, he had a strong freshman season at Boston University.
The Illinois native averaged 15:56 TOI per game, the seventh most among Terrier forwards, and shot just 5%, the lowest of all lineup regulars.
He was heavily relied on in late-game situations and was a fixture on the penalty kill while seeing occasional times on the power play, a reflection of head coach Jay Pandolfo’s trust.
As one of the NCAA’s youngest players, Bednarik understandably struggled at times, but he was a much-improved player by the end of the season, finishing the year with eight consecutive games without a penalty and a 54.8% faceoff win rate in that stretch – two areas he struggled with to begin the season.
While the Islanders' development camp should be taken with a grain of salt, Bednarik was among the most notable prospects on both sides of the puck in terms of awareness, positioning, and pressure, offering optimism he will continue improving his game.
With the experience gained during the Terriers’ national championship runner-up finish and departure of a handful of key forwards, Bednarik is poised to take on an elevated offensive role in 2025-26, potentially into Boston’s top-six.
If he can capitalize on an increased role, he should rise on this list and potentially develop into a bottom-six center for the Islanders down the line.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: He is an incredibly smart two-way player and is a defensive menace who has quick hands
11. Luca Romano | Center | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) | 67GP, 25G, 26A, 51P | Drafted in 2025 (No. 74)
The Islanders may have found a hidden gem with the 74th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Luca Romano was projected to go in the top half of the second round, yet the Islanders got him in the middle of the third, around 30 picks after his average ranking.
A common theme among the Islanders' 2025 draftees is speed and work ethic, and Romano is no exception, as his game is centered on zone entries, navigating through defenders, and putting pucks on his teammates' sticks.
His game is very raw, and he needs to add muscle to survive at the professional level, but his drive, work ethic, and motor all position him to continue his promising development trajectory.
The 2025-26 season will be pivotal to see if he can take the leap as one of the OHL’s top offensive forwards, as his long-term projection ranges from as high as a middle-six center to never reaching the NHL.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: I'm not saying his skating is like Mathew Barzal's, but his edge work is extremely close. He was one of, if not the best, skaters out there.
10. Marcus Gidlöf | Goaltender | Leksands IF (SHL) | 17GP, 2.33 GAA, .908 SV%, 1 SO, 11-6-0 Record | Drafted in 2024 (No. 147)
Marcus Gidlöf was the second goaltender the Islanders took in the 2024 Draft, but his first season in the organization has him first in the prospect pool ranking among netminders.
He split his season between the SHL and J20 Nationell, Sweden’s top men’s and junior leagues, putting up elite numbers in both despite being one of the youngest players in the SHL.
Gidlöf’s 1.73 GAA, .924 SV%, and 3 shutouts in 11 junior games speak for themselves, but his numbers against men are even more impressive when compared to Islanders goaltender Marcus Hogberg.
In 2023-24, before returning to North America, Hogberg posted a 2.51 GAA, .914 SV%, and four shutouts across 40 games for Linköping HC, one of Sweden’s better teams that season.
Hogberg went on to produce respectable numbers across 26 NHL and AHL games in 2024-25.
Gidlöf’s 2.33 GAA, .908 SV%, and one shutout across 17 games for Leksands IF, one of the league’s underperforming teams in 2024-25, are comparable to Hogberg’s, and Gidlöf was just 19 years old compared to Hogberg at 29.
The stats do not tell the entire story for Gidlöf, either, as the 6-foot-6 Swede has shown impressive reflexes and agility for his size, two traits that scouts seek when forecasting talent.
Gidlöf will require a few more seasons to develop, but his upside is certainly higher than any goaltending prospect the Islanders have had since Ilya Sorokin.
*he did not attend development camp
9. Daniil Prokhorov | Wing | MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL) | 43GP, 20G, 7A, 27P | Drafted in 2025 (No. 42)
Daniil Prokhorov is a 6-foot-6, 218-pound power forward with an impressive scoring ability.
He scored 20 goals in 43 MHL games with Dynamo St. Petersburg while offering an aggressive, physical game.
He knows how to use his size, and he loves to engage on the forecheck.
However, his game has been relatively streaky and somewhat one-dimensional, evident in his mere seven assists across 43 games.
Sitting on the younger side of 2025 draftees while under contract through 2026-27, the Islanders will have to be patient with Prokhorov, but if he can round out his game, he has the potential to be a dominant bottom-six winger.
He was drafted in the fourth round of the CHL important draft by the Sarnia Sting.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: The guy does it all. He's extremely physical, but has the softest of hands and showcased an exceptional hockey IQ.
8. Quinn Finley | Left Wing | University of Wisconsin (NCAA) | 37GP, 20G, 20A, 40P | Drafted in 2022 (No. 78)
Quinn Finley is the most difficult prospect to rank in the Islanders' system.
His scoring ability is in the premier tier among hockey’s top prospects, boasting a lethal release and instinct.
In 2024-25, he rounded out his offensive game by improving his vision and precision on passes, improving his point total by 24.
His skating and defensive play still require improvement, and his upcoming junior season at Wisconsin will be crucial for his development.
As talented as the Indiana native is, his future hinges on whether his dominant offensive talent can outweigh the holes in his game.
If it does, he has the upside to become a 20+ goal scorer at the NHL level. If not, he may never make it there.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: He's an extremely smart player with strong finishing abilit and he doesn't hesitate to let the puck go.
7. Danny Nelson | Center | University of Notre Dame (NCAA) | 36GP, 13G, 13A, 26P | Drafted in 2023 (No. 49)
Danny Nelson made a name for himself in the 2024-25 season when he scored six points (four goals, two assists) in seven games for the United States at the 2025 WJC en route to his second consecutive gold medal, but his impressive play did not begin there.
Nelson has been a fixture in Notre Dame’s top-six across his two seasons in South Bend, finishing top three in ice time among forwards each season as well as top four in points.
Standing at 6-foot-3, he combines relentless defensive pressure, a sharp wrist shot, high hockey IQ, and an impressive ability to drive toward the net.
On special teams, he is consistently positioned well, whether it be to block a shot or knock an opponent off the puck, or make his way to the slot or net-front to finish rebounds.
Nelson’s 13 goals do not stand out, and his skill set may not offer the same upside as others in the Islanders' prospect pool, but his floor is quite high given his borderline NHL-ready defensive game and ability to elevate his game against tougher competition.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: He's got a huge frame and he knows how to use his body. He's go strong hockey IQ and seems to be more of a shutdown type of player.
6. Isaiah George | Left Defenseman | New York Islanders (NHL) & Bridgeport (AHL) | 33GP, 4G, 10A, 14P & 33GP, 1G, 4A, 5P | Drafted in 2024 (No. 54)
Typically, a prospect ranking would only include players eligible for the upcoming season, but given Isaiah George spent the second half of 2024-25 in Bridgeport, he can join this list.
Islanders fans are familiar with George’s game as a high-IQ, smooth-skating blue liner capable of carrying the puck down ice like few others in the team’s system.
The issue for George was that he had just five professional games of experience prior to making their NHL debut at 20 years old, so he was immediately thrown in the deep end to start his NHL career.
The good news is he received exceptionally high praise from Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, as well as former GM Lou Lamoriello, and he is expected to push for an NHL roster ahead of the 2025-26 season.
While New York is clogged on the left side of the defense, George may force his way into the NHL lineup out of training camp.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: George, clearly, put on an absurd amount of muscle since we last saw him. His stick work makes him a standout, as well as his edges as he can escape danger with ease.
5. Kashawn Aitcheson | Left Defenseman | Barrie Colts (OHL) | 64GP, 26G, 33A, 59P | Drafted in 2025 (No. 17)
The Islanders' third first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft was Kashawn Aitcheson, a 6-foot-1, 198-pound physical defenseman who potted an impressive 26 goals in 2024-25 – the third most among all OHL blue liners.
You only need to watch a few shifts to understand Aitcheson’s game as a big hitter who owns the middle of the ice.
Whether it be using his stick and frame to force opponents to the perimeter or winning puck battles around the net, he is everything you want from a defenseman.
He is reliable, consistent, and constantly improving his game, giving the Islanders a high-floor defenseman in the system.
Not to mention, he knows how to translate his defensive stops into offensive production, whether it be clearing the zone or sending pucks through the neutral zone.
Defensemen typically take longer to develop than forwards, and the Islanders' surplus of left-shot defenseman may delay Aitcheson’s NHL debut, but he does project as a long-term, second-pairing defenseman.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: His skating was better than anticipated, and his ability to crush opponents with smart timing is what makes him a standout. Zero fear and has a smart shot from the point. Seems to be able to get shots through often.
4. Calum Ritchie | Center | Oshawa Generals [Playoffs] (OHL) | 47GP, 15G, 55A, 70P [21GP, 9G, 16A, 25P] | Drafted in 2023 (No. 27)
The Brock Nelson departure left a gaping hole down the middle for the Islanders, but Calum Ritchie is here to fill it.
The 20-year-old centerman is widely regarded as one of hockey’s most well-rounded prospects, able to both find the scoresheet, kill penalties, win face-offs, and be relied on to secure leads late in games.
He plays a cerebral, offensively minded game, capable of stretching the ice and delivering pinpoint passes, even from tough angles, but he also holds his own defensively, often using his frame to win puck battles along the boards and in front of the net.
He has seven games of NHL experience – all with the Colorado Avalanche to start the 2024-25 season – where he had one goal, and he is expected to push for an NHL roster spot with the Islanders ahead of the 2025-26 season.
If Ritchie’s development continues, he will develop into a valuable member of the Islanders' top six and special teams.
It is unfair to put such lofty expectations on a young player like some have by comparing Ritchie to Patrice Bergeron, but there is no doubt the Islanders prospect’s high hockey IQ, playmaking ability, vision, and footwork could help him reach the premier tier of hockey’s two-way forwards.
Though he sits fourth on this list, he is more than capable of becoming the top player currently in the Islanders’ system.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: In terms of size and skill, he's NHL-ready. He's an incredibly strong playmaker and skated like a pro out there in all facets.
3. Victor Eklund | Wing | Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) | 42GP, 19G, 12A, 31P | Drafted in 2025 (No. 16)
Many scouts believe the Islanders got the steal of the 2025 NHL Draft when they selected Victor Eklund with the 16th pick in Round 1.
Eklund was a projected top-10 pick, with NHL Central Scouting ranking him second among international skaters and FCHockey ranking him sixth among all players.
The Stockholm, Sweden native scored more goals-per-game than his teammate with Djurgårdens and the draft’s third overall pick, Anton Frondell, while putting up similar point-per-game numbers and an equal number of points during their playoff run.
Of course, Frondell is a center and has a much stronger two-way game, but Eklund’s offensive ability is no joke.
He has a strong motor and work ethic, backed by an impressive ability to find loose pucks and send passes through traffic to the net-front.
He has been compared to Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis, and it is easy to see why, as they have similar builds and playstyles as players you love to play with, but hate to play against.
Eklund will look to take the jump to the SHL in 2025-26, and he may need another season or two after that to reach the NHL, but the wait will be worth it for Islanders fans.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: He's got very impressive edges and is extremely shifty. He can dangle but also has a sneaky release.
2. Cole Eiserman | Left Wing | Boston University (NCAA) | 39GP, 25G, 11A, 36P | Drafted in 2025 (No. 20)
Despite Ritchie offering the highest floor of any Islanders prospect, Cole Eiserman takes the top spot among forwards due to his upside.
Eiserman did nothing but impress in his freshman season at Boston University, even as one of the youngest players in the NCAA, leading all NCAA freshmen in goals (25) and finishing tied for fifth among all NCAA skaters.
His blistering shot and innate scoring ability set him apart from his peers, and another season to develop his two-way game under coach Pandolfo will cement his prowess as one of hockey’s top prospects.
Eiserman will also continue developing his weaknesses, specifically his skating, under assistant coach Kim Brandvold, who has led the Terriers to three consecutive Frozen Four appearances while transforming the skating of former Terriers and NHL stars Lane Hutson, Macklin Celebrini, and others as a skating and skills coach.
Not to mention, Eiserman is expected to move into a first-line role with the departures of Quinn Hutson, Ryan Greene, Shane Lachance, and others, meaning additional responsibility could lead to even more impressive offensive totals.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: His shot is just different than anything I've ever seen. Forget the noise, but the quickness of his release makes him such a dangerous player.
1. Matthew Schaefer | Left Defenseman | Erie Otters (OHL) | 17GP, 7G, 15A, 22P | Drafted in 2025 (No. 1)
Undoubtedly the top prospect in the Islanders system, 2025 first overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, is here to lead the next era of hockey on Long Island.
Schaefer stands at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds and is a smooth-skating, mobile defenseman.
At just 17 years old, he recorded 22 points (7G, 15A) in 17 games for the Erie Otters while simultaneously showcasing an ability to deny zone entries and limit the opposition to low danger chances.
With the puck, Schafer showed an elite ability to clear the zone and find open teammates, even when facing pressure.
His 2024-25 season was cut short due to a broken clavicle, but he is expected to push for a spot on the NHL roster out of training camp.
From there, the Islanders will bank on him developing into a premier, top-pairing defenseman.
Rosner's development camp takeaway: While most guys have to think about certain facets of their game, everything comes very easily. He skates better than most people walk. He makes strong outlet passes, is very creative in a flash, and certainly can shoot. He always has his head up, and he looks miles ahead of everyone else in terms of his overall game.
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Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images