Islanders Top 10 Prospects

Though the Islanders have not made a first round selection in the NHL Entry Draft when they selected Simon Holmstrom, who is now a quality NHLer, they have been very good at selecting quality prospects in the later rounds of the draft. Today I will go over my top 10 prospects in the Islanders prospect pool. Simon Holmstrom and Samuel Bolduc will not be included on this list because they are currently on the NHL roster.

1. F William Dufour – AHL

Stats: 18 Games, 6 G, 4 A, 10 Pts.

William Dufour has been a high riser in the Islanders pipeline over the last two years. the 21 year old Quebec native was a 5th round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft after posting 55 points in 59 games in the QMJHL. And he only got better posting a 56 goal seasons in his final season in the QMJHL for the Saint John Sea Dogs. His transition to the pro game was almost seamless putting up 21 goals and 48 total points in his first year at the AHL Level. Dufour’s best quality is his shot. He’s been described by many as a pure goal scorer. The main hindrance of his game was his skating ability. But coming into Islanders training camp this summer, there was a notable improvement of his stride and his game as a whole playing in the preseason, including netting a goal past Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Dufour projects as a middle-six player and could find his place on the Islanders next season.

2. F Danny Nelson – Univ. of Notre Dame

Stats: 18 Games, 3 G, 11 A, 14 Pts

Nelson was the Islanders 2nd round draft choice in the 2023 draft. Nelson generated a lot of first round buzz around the league but ended up falling to the Islanders in the mid 2nd round. Nelson is a very good prospect having been developed in the United States National Development Program that we see plenty of top draft prospects going through, notably the consensus #2 prospect in the upcoming 2024 draft Cole Eiserman. Nelson is committed to play at the University of Notre Dame and he has been a very good player while giving them top 6 minutes. Now playing for the US at the World Junior tournament, Nelson has provided valuable 2-way play and consistent minutes on the penalty kill for the Americans. Nelson uses his size and speed to create chances and has a very good shot as well. If it comes to fruition, we could see a line featuring Danny Nelson as well as Brock Nelson.

3. F Ruslan Iskhakov – AHL

Stats: 29 Games: 10 G, 14 A, 24 Pts.

Iskhakov has the typical “Boom or Bust” profile of a prospect of his caliber. Iskhakov has been among the leaders in the AHL in terms of points, as there are no questions about his ability to shoot the puck. The main question about Iskhakov’s game is whether or not he will be able to successfully translate his production into the NHL level. Mainly due to his stature of 5-foot-8, there are questions about how he’ll be able to translate into the NHL on a consistent basis, but Iskhakov has a lot of potential to be a good player. Iskhkov’s 3-year Entry Level Contract expires at the end of the season, the Islanders will have to decide whether or not he is in their long term plans.

4. D Isaiah George – OHL

Stats: 34 Games, 4G, 8A, 12 Pts.

Another pick in the later rounds that turns out to be an absolute steal by Lou Lamoriello and company. George looks to be one of the biggest late round steals of his draft class. George is a big puck moving defenseman who is able to gain the zone with his great speed. His ability to move the puck is what is starting to elevate his game a significant margin, especially getting power play time for the OHL’s London Knights. George is likely to turn pro as soon as next year, and he’ll likely start in the AHL for his age 20 season, but do not be surprised if he makes a lot of noise in training camp. We saw him against NHLers in the preseason and he looked fantastic playing alongside veteran Ryan Pulock. George has the potential to be an average to above average NHLer and he is only 19 years old, he is only going to progress and get better.

5. F Matthew Maggio – AHL

Stats: 23 Games: 4G, 4A, 8 Pts

Isles fans heard Matthew Maggio’s name a lot last season, as he led the OHL in goals and total points while Captaining the Windsor Spitfires, that point production has not immediately translated to the pro level, as usually expected. Maggio has also missed some with injury this season and that has likely hindered his play. Maggio is a player who has the ability to produce consistently without lighting the lamp or putting a high number of points on the board during this period of transition for him. Many have raved about his hockey IQ and his knowledge for the game as a whole. Maggio has potential to be a solid NHLer, but in order to do that he has to prove himself at the AHL level first. Maggio has fantastic speed and a good shot as well as a solid 2-way-game. He has all of the tools to be successful at the next level, I am confident that he will be able to put it all together in the NHL.

6. D Calle Odelius – Djurgardens IF

Stats: 10 Games, 0G, 4A, 4 Pts

Odelius is is a young defensemen who is still playing in Europe. He reportedly was close to coming to play in the AHL this year, but ultimately he decided to remain with Djurgardens IF for one more year, he will turn pro in Bridgeport next season. Odelius is a fantastic puck moving defensemen who excels in create space between himself and oncoming forechecks, he’s great at escaping pressure with his skating and puck handling skill are also above average. He shows great potential in all 3 zones and could grow into a top 6 defensemen in the next couple of years. He is currently injured and has been out for at least a few weeks, hopefully Odelius recovers before seasons end and we get to see him in Bridgeport at the end of the season.

7. F Justin Gill – QMJHL

Stats: 33 Games, 19G, 32A, 51 Pts.

Gill was yet another late round pick by the Islanders in 2023, he was among the leading scorers in the QMJHL last year and is in the top 3 in scoring again this season. Gill doesn’t stand out in one particular category because he’s average or above average in almost every category. He’s a solid player on both ends of the ice. His solid skating ability helps him create space and advance the puck towards the net, he also has fantastic anticipation, the main trait people talk about with him is his hockey sense. Gill is playing very well in the Q, and it is likely that he turns pro next year, he could be a very fun player in Bridgeport and eventually possibly on Long Island. Though I am very excited to see if he continues his production in the QMJHL for the rest of the season. We could also see him in Bridgeport at the end of the season for a few games.

8. F Quinn Finley – Univ. Of Wisconsin

Stats: 18 Games, 5 G, 2 A, 7 Pts.

Alongside Danny Nelson, Finley is representing the United States at the World Junior Tournament in Sweden, and has been dynamic working with Nelson on the American 4th line. As well as getting minutes on the power play and the penalty kill. Finley has been solid at the University of Wisconsin this year, his shot in particular is one of the best parts of his game. At the juniors tournament he showed off a great one timer on the power play. Finley has potential to be a future NHLer, but we have to see him produce better at the NCAA level and eventually the professional level.

9. F Cameron Berg – Univ. Of North Dakota

Stats: 18 Games, 7 G, 10 A, 17 Pts.

Berg was a 4th round pick in the 2021 draft, and has been a solid prospect since going from the USHL to the NCAA level between the University of Nebraska and since he transferred to North Dakota this season. Playing at over a point-per-game pace is great for his development, as he could look to turn pro next year or the year after. He is a solid prospect with a good two-way-game who could develop into an NHLer but it is yet to be seen at the pro level.

10. F Alexander Ljungkrantz – SHL

Stats: 28 Games, 15 G, 7 A, 22 Pts.

Ljungkrantz has been very good this season in Sweden’s second tier hockey league before being called up to the SHL last week. His main attribute is his skating ability which is a plus-plus, he makes his living getting into the zone and generates chances in front of the net on a consistent basis. He also is great defensively along the boards and has been described as a very high IQ player. If he finishes the season strong in the SHL, the Islanders will likely look to sign him, though they are in danger of losing his NHL Rights.