With the World Junior tournament starting today, i’m going to preview the several Islanders prospects that are playing for their respective countries at the event. This could change, as Islanders prospect Jacob Kvasnicka was among the final cuts for Team USA, he could find his way onto the team if injuries occur.
D Kashawn Aitcheson – Team Canada
We’ll start with Kashawn Aitcheson, the lone defensemen from the Islanders pipeline at juniors. Aitcheson has been having a fantastic season for the Barrie Colts in the OHL, playing at a 40+ goal pace for a defensemen is unheard of. His skating ability has also significantly improved as well, something that was a noted concern last year when he was drafted, has looked a lot better. He’s going to play a major role for team Canada and play alongside Penguins defensemen Harrison Brunicke the majority of the time. Don’t be surprised if he gets significant time alongside Zayne Parekh (Calgary), or Keaton Verhoeff (2026 Draft Eligible). Aitcheson will be the lone Islander representing Canada.
F Cole Eiserman – Team USA
Eiserman is one of two Americans the Isles will be sending to World Juniors. Eiserman played and won gold with team USA last year, and he’ll look to do it again. Eiserman started the season very strongly, but a lower-body injury had him miss a few weeks and is still finding his game. A good tournament for him playing in the top 6 scoring big goals could get him going in the second half. Eiserman’s defensive game has also improved a great amount, which is a big part of him getting so much more playing time this time around. Last year he was a 13th forward, and a power-play specialist. Eiserman is a great goal scorer, and I expect him to play greatly in this tournament.
C Kamil Bednarik – Team USA
Eiserman’s teammate at Boston University, Kamil Bednarik will also play a big role for the Americans in the tournament. Bednarik has also improved his game a lot this season, his offensive game taking a step forward is huge for his development. Even if his offense stalls, he is a fantastic defensive center and will be playing big minutes on the penalty kill for Team USA. In the beginning of the various camps for Juniors, Bednarik did play alongside Eiserman, it will be interesting to see if that continues, weather it does or not, Bednarik’s defensive abilities will be a big story for the Americans in international play.
F Victor Eklund – Team Sweden
Eklund is playing for a stacked Sweden lineup, and is having a solid season in the SHL for Djurgårdens. Eklund is a fantastic playmaker, but would also like to see his goalscoring pop more. Eklund should play a big role for Sweden, who has an absolutely stacked forward group this year. Eklund and Anton Frondell (Chicago) leading the way among drafted players, but are also stacked in the 2026 draft, with Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Bjork also going to play big roles. This is a big opportunity for Eklund with more ice time and could have a fantastic tournament with even better talent.
F Tomas Poletin – Team Czechia
Poletin is a big surprise for the Islanders pipeline this season, being the #1 pick in the CHL import draft for Kelowna in the WHL, has showcased a great goalscoring ability thus far, better than I had expected coming into the season. Poletin will likely play in the top-six for the Czechs, and they’ll look to finally break through and try to make some noise in the tournament. Poletin’s goalscoring mixed with his linemates who are good playmakers, could be an explosive tournament for the Islanders 4th Round Pick. I’m excited to see his skating up close, we know he plays fast and has a high motor. But i’d like to see his straight line speed stick out.
BS Reports 
Leave a comment