New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] fans have a lot to be excited about with prospect Daniil Prokhorov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-prospect-daniil-prokhorov-latest-remarks-about-rangers-has-fan-base-buzzing]. The 18-year-old winger from Krasnodar, Russia, was the club’s 2025 second-round pick (No. 42), and he quickly turned heads at development camp with his impressive skating, awareness, intensity, and personality. His game centers around his 6-foot-6, 218-pound frame, as he utilizes his size and strength to drive to the net and win puck battles, while also possessing a long stride and impressive agility for his size. Fans fell in love with Prokhorov’s game at the camp, but the Islanders' front office has been impressed by the young forward for a while, and so have their cross-town rivals, the New York Rangers. Speaking with RB Sports (Hockey) [https://x.com/rbsporthockey/status/1942974099275354419], Prokhorov gave some insight on the draft process, notably mentioning how he knew the Islanders would be his landing spot: “I had the best talk with Islanders. Like I knew them for 20 years. [The New York Rangers] wanted to choose me at the 43rd [pick]. But I said that they won't succeed, because [the New York Islanders] will choose me at the 42nd.” Well, Prokhorov was right, as the Islanders took him with the 42nd pick, forcing the Rangers to select winger Malcom Spence. Prokhorov was arguably the best player on the ice at the Islanders' development camp, but he still has a long way to go before reaching the NHL, notably by rounding out his two-way game while becoming a more consistent and reliable winger. The question is, how good can this kid be? Can he turn into a Valeri Nichushkin type? The Sarnia Sting selected Prokhorov with the 42nd overall pick in the CHL Import Draft. He has played for the KHL's junior league team, St. Petersburg Dynamo, over the last two seasons, recording 20 goals with seven assists for 27 points in 43 games. Hell have to decide whether to stay in the KHL or come over to North America. We saw an Islanders prospect, Jesse Nurmi, last season decide to play in juniors after being selected by the London Knights 58th overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He went on to win the Memorial Cup, developing on this side of the pond to prepare for his first season with the organization. Given the language barrier, the different ice surface, and the different style, it makes perfect sense for Prokhorov to follow in Nurmi's footsteps. However, the one caveat to leaving home is the age of players he will play against. While the MHL age max is 20, just like it is for the OHL, Prokhorov would likely be making the jump to the KHL this season. Given his size, it may make sense for him to develop against men, since banging bodies and playing that hard-nosed style are his strongest assets. The Hockey News reached out to Prokhorov's representatives but have yet to garner a response. Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story. Michael Ostrower [https://x.com/michaelost13] contributed to this story.
