Artyom Kudashov is one of three players invited to New York Islanders camp on a PTO. However, he can't leave with a contract.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- Artyom Kudashov is one of three players that were invited to New York Islanders camp.
However, Kudashov can't leave camp with a contract, unlike the other PTO players.
No, it's not because of his KHL contract, currently signed with Moscow Dynamo.
It's because he is draft-eligible.
Because Kudashov is a European player, he is draft-eligible until he is 21 — North America is 20 — so he has two more years to go before any team can sign him outright.
However, because of his talent and professional experience at such a young age, at least one franchise will undoubtedly take a flyer on him when he enters the NHL Draft, potentially in 2025.
"I'm sure we'll probably keep an eye on him," Bridgeport Islanders head coach and rookie camp head coach Rick Kowalsky said.
Obviously, Kowalsky's focus is on Islanders prospects and players in the system, but it's been impossible to ignore Kudashov's showing.
"He's made a good impression," Bridgeport Islanders head coach and rookie camp coach Rick Kowalsky said. "He's a guy that's not afraid to ask questions. He's been very receptive to everything we've thrown at him. He skates well, handles the puck well, and then, in some of those one-on-one battles, stuff with the puck, he protects the puck, and he's been able to beat some guys.
"And then on the other side of it, for a young kid, he's got good instincts and good details in his game."
Now, Kudashov will get a chance to prove his skills alongside the NHL veterans when training camp begins on Thursday.
While the Islanders may not get much out of Kudashov being at their camp, it's been a tremendous opportunity and learning experience for the youngster.
"The KHL is not as physical. That's the thing I need to be better in because, here, there is a lot of physical guys," Kudashov told The Hockey News. "The first two days, I just look around and try to understand the game, try to understand the North American guys. It's harder for me and I will be better, try to be better when I go back to Russia."
Since being here, he's had the chance to chat with fellow Russians.
"Max Tsyplakov, Alexander Romanov, and Ilya Sorokin, I talk to all of them," Kudashov said. "They're really good guys. Yeah? Max Tsyplakov helped me."
Kudashov did participate in the Philadelphia Flyers development camp, but he's enjoyed his time here more.
"It was funny games, and that's all. Here, it's like a normal team, full pressure. It's more interesting and better because it's more serious."
The Islanders own all seven picks in 2025, as of now.
If Kudashov impresses at training camp and has a strong showing in the KHL, the Islanders will be on his radar.
As of now, the Islanders own all seven picks in 2025.