The Charlottetown Islanders are a team that's built from behind.
Nicholas Ruccia as a member of the Cape Breton EaglesAt the helm, is recently acquired goaltender Nicolas Ruccia, who is coming off of a breakthrough season with the Cape Breton Eagles -- posting a .910 save percentage across 49 games.
The team boasts two young core defenders.
Marcus Kearsey of the Charlottetown IslandersLeading the way defensively is Marcus Kearsey, an omission from the 2025 NHL Draft who will look to prove all 32 NHL teams wrong this season. He is coming off of a strong, 49-point (7+42) season.
Kearsey was an attendee to the Detroit Red Wings rookie camp, and impressed enough to earn a main camp invite.
Owen Conrad of the Charlottetown IslandersSpeaking of the draft, Owen Conrad will also look to prove himself to NHL teams this season. He had 29 points (6+23) in 59 games last season with the Isles.
Up front, things are a bit picky.
They acquired overage import right winger Yegor Goryunov (48 in 63).
Alexis Michaud of the Charlottetown IslandersHe joins fellow right wingers Alexis Michaud (40 in 63), Ross Campbell (36 in 55) and William Shields (28 in 65).
Kyle Powers of the Charlottetown IslandersDown the middle are sophomore centermen Matthew Butler (43 in 68) and Kyle Powers (30 in 67)
However, the team lacks a left flank up front.
That situation is even more unclear as the team hasn't decided on its overagers yet. Defenseman Isaac Vos (25 in 63) has not made the team, joining the MJAHL. This leaves two players and only one slot.
Simon Hughes of the Charlottetown IslandersThe team can choose between former OHL defenseman Madden Steen (12 in 60 with Owen Sound) or returner left winger Simon Hughes (35 in 57).
Hughes has the familiarity, fills a need and has some offensive skill, but the team has had a history of bringing over players from Ontario including the aforementioned Kyle Powers, Giovanni Morneau, Lucas Romeo and Carter Bickle.
It'll be interesting to see who they decide on.
As it stands, the Islanders are a long way from being a 'true contender. That said, they have some really interesting pieces and could be a team to watch in the future.
Plus, knowing this management group's willingness to find unique targets from the OHL and Europe, the team could be in that spot in a year or so.
Ratings
- Forwards: B
- Defense: C
- Goalies: A
- Overagers: B
- Verdict: Pretender
Notable Players
- G Nicholas Ruccia (Overager)
- D Owen Conrad
- D Marcus Kearsey
- LW Simon Hughes* (Overager)
- C Matthew Butler
- C Kyle Powers
- RW Yegor Goryunov (Overager, Import)
- RW Alexis Michaud
- RW Ross Campbell
- RW William Shields
Likely Team MVP
D Marcus Kearsey
Other Season Previews
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- Quebec Remparts
- Rimouski Océanic
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- Shawinigan Cataractes
- Sherbrooke Phoenix
- Val-d'Or Foreurs
- Victoriaville Tigres