The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner explains why New York Islanders fans can be optimistic heading into next season. In a tad over two weeks, the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/noah-dobson-alexander-romanov-lou-lamoriello-nhl-offensive-defenseman-stefen-rosner] and the rest of the NHL franchises take to Nashville for the 2023 NHL Draft. The Islanders do not have a first or third-round selection at the draft due to the Bo Horvat [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/bo-horvat-new-york-islanders-vancouver-canucks-trade-lamoriello] trade from this past season and the Andrew Ladd trade from the summer of 2021. The Islanders will select at No. 49, 81, 113, 145, 177, and 209. Last week up in Buffalo, the NHL held their draft combine, where draft-eligible players were tasked with showing off their physical abilities, intelligence, hockey IQ, and creativity when they met with team representatives. "Our scouts feel like this is a deep draft," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/new-york-islanders-lou-lamoriello-stan-fischler-biggest-suprises-press-conference] said last Tuesday. "You never know. Chris (Lamoriello) and six of our scouts are at the combine right now doing all the interviews..." The Islanders are toward the bottom of the prospect team rankings seemingly every year. There's a need for right-shot defensemen, as well as speedy, scoring wingers. So, who did the Islanders speak to up in Buffalo? Although not a complete list, Russ Cohen [https://twitter.com/sportsology] of Sportology [https://www.sportsology.com/2023-nhl-combine-notes/] shared which players spoke to the Islanders. Also included is Tony Ferrari [https://twitter.com/theTonyFerrari]'s analysis of each player from his final mock draft for The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/news/ferraris-2023-nhl-draft-rankings-the-final-cut]. Let's dive in: CHARLIE STRAMEL Position: Center/Winger Handiness: Right Age: 18 Height/Weight: 6'3, 212 lbs Nationality: American, from Minnesota Stats: 5 goals, 7 assists, in 33 games played at the University of Wisconsin Strengths: Uses size effectively to protect the puck, strong shot off the rush, could be a good off-puck winger Weaknesses: Lacks lateral agility and needs to work on physicality away from the puck The Hockey News Ranking: 45th WILLIAM WHITELAW Position: Center Handiness: Right Age: 18 Height/Weight: 5'9, 179 lbs Nationality: American, from Minnesota Stats: 36 goals, 25 assists, 62 games for Youngstown Phantoms, USHL; committed to the University of Wisconsin Strengths: Strong hand-eye coordination, quick release, strong net-front presence despite size Weaknesses: Needs to engage on the defensive end more The Hockey News Ranking: 28th -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MAXIM STRBAK Position: Defense Handiness: Right Age: 18 Height/Weight: 6'2, 198 lbs Nationality: Slovakia Stats: 5 goals, 13 assists, 46 games for Sioux Falls Stampede. USHL; committed to Michigan State University Strengths: Good shot, tape-to-tape passer, strong gap control, aggressive checking Weaknesses: Needs to be more patient with puck in own zone, take more shots The Hockey News Ranking: 60th -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NATE DANIELSON Position: Center Handiness: Right Age: 18 Nationality: Canada Height/Weight: 6'1, 185 lbs Stats: 33 goals, 45 assists in 78 games for Brandon Wheat Kings "C", OHL Strengths: Excellent skater through the neutral zone, finds open space, a quick-strike attacker Weaknesses: Lacks dynamism, plays a safe game The Hockey News Ranking: 30th -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANDREW STRATHMANN Position: Defense Handiness: Left Age: 18 Height/Weight: 5'11, 187 lbs Nationality: American, from Illinois Stats: 3 goals, 35 assists in 56 games with Youngstown Phantoms, USHL; committed to the University of North Dakota Strengths: Can play in any situation, not afraid to shoot, can escape situations Weaknesses: Decision-making needs to be sharper The Hockey News ranking: 87th
