EXCLUSIVE: Islanders Prospect Daniil Prokhorov Growing On And Off The Ice
Islanders prospect Daniil Prokhorov discusses his KHL season, AHL debut, development camp success, learning English, and training alongside NHL players this offseason.
EAST MEADOW, NY — Daniil Prokhorov became an immediate fan favorite less than a week after the New York Islanders used their 2025 second-round pick on the big Russian forward.
After a few days of development camp, it was clear that the 18-year-old had potential, showcasing a willingness to go to the front of the net and the soft hands to finish chances.
Then, during the Blue and White scrimmage, he showcased both, scoring a nifty goal from the slot off a strong feed from Danny Nelson.
Leaving the ice, he got the Islanders fans in attendance going:
Following Islanders development camp, Prokhorov had the opportunity to stay in North America after being selected by the OHL’s Sarnia Sting — Matt Martin’s jersey was retired there this past season — in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, but he elected to stay in Russia.
On Sept. 2, 2025, Prokhorov signed his three-year entry-level deal, with the first year sliding because he did not play in at least 10 NHL games this past season.
Despite the belief that Prokhorov would start the 2025-26 season in the VHL, Russia’s AHL equivalent, he actually made Dynamo Moscow's KHL roster.
More often than not, Prokhorov found himself as the 13th forward in the KHL, playing 23 games and scoring just one goal. He played 25 games for St. Petersburg’s VHL team, recording nine goals and nine assists for 18 points.
He also played for Dynamo Moscow’s junior team, recording three goals and three assists for six points in eight games.
“This season, I play in KHL. I am a young player, small ice time,” Prokhorov told The Elmonters. “It’s a lot of practice. In the VHL, the second Russian league, I was good. Twenty games, 18 points. I was good, young player. In KHL, I was a good player too. No ice time.”
Following the end of his season in Russia, Prokhorov came over to North America, joining the Bridgeport Islanders.
Unfortunately for Prokhorov, he blocked a shot in his AHL debut, which ended his season.
“I block shot, very big one-timer,” Prokhorov said with a smile. “It no broke, it’s good, good. Yeah, I've been able to practice. It’s good.”
Prokhorov came into his second development camp looking much more comfortable than he did a year ago. Twelve months earlier, he could barely speak English. Now, he’s becoming quite the character around the rink.