Islanders Draft Targets

The Islanders have not had a first round pick in the NHL draft since 2019 when they selected Simon Holmstrom, After trading back two spots in the first round with the Blackhawks in order to gain another pick in the second round, the Islanders may be leaning towards keeping the first round pick, and I believe they could get a good prospect at that spot, I’ll be looking at 3 potential picks at that spot.

F Michael Hage – Chicago (USHL)

Hage is probably the best fit for the Islanders with their first round pick. Hage plays a consistent 200-foot game which is something the Islanders definitely value. Hage also is a very good offensive player, he has a good skating ability and a strong shot, along with utilizing a toe-drag on a consistent basis as well. Hage is a strong prospect who’s stock fell a little due to some injury issues, had he stayed healthy, he probably could have gone in the top 15 or top 10 in this draft. Hage is committed to play at the University of Michigan next season.

C Sacha Boisvert – Muskegon (USHL)

Boisvert is a similar player to that of Hage, in the sense of that he is a responsible two-way centre who can put up productive offense as well. Boisvert relies heavily on his shot, he collected 36 goals this season. Boisvert also does a great job being able to score no matter where he is on the ice, he has a very good one-timer and has the ability to score goals from range. Boisvert has been rising up some prospect rankings as of late, towards the middle of the first round. He is committed to play at North Dakota next season, he could be a good fit for the Islanders at 20th overall.

LW Igor Chernyshov – Dynamo (MHL)

Our final draft target comes from the MHL in Igor Chernyshov. Chernyshov is a right handed winger who plays on his off-side, and many have said his tools will translate very well into a middle-six role in the NHL, he’s a solid skater which contributes greatly to his ability off the rush, he also has an above average shot, and could become a good playmaker at the next level, a more underrated part of his game. Though he doesn’t play amazing defense, Chernyshov projects as a power forward type of player in the future. He is under contract in Russia until after next season.