EXCLUSIVE: Islanders Prospect Kashawn Aitcheson On His Dominant Final OHL Season, Skating Growth & The Next Step
Exclusive Q&A with Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson on his OHL Defenseman of the Year season, development camp, training with the Leafs' skating coach, and making the jump to pro hockey.
EAST MEADOW, NY — New York Islanders defense prospect Kashawn Aitcheson returned to development camp this summer looking much different from how he did a year ago.
The No. 17 pick in 2025 came into his second development camp fresh off a dominant fourth and final OHL season with the Barrie Colts. He was named the OHL Defenseman of the Year, tallying 28 goals with 42 assists for 70 points in 64 regular-season games.
In the playoffs, the Toronto native recorded eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points in just 19 games.
Now with professional hockey on the horizon, Aitcheson is focused on continuing his development and making life as difficult as possible for when training camp arrives this fall.
“He’s as advertised,” Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said. “I love the energy, love the physicality, you know? I don't think you see his game in this type of format, like we all know how he wants to play. We've seen enough of the tape, but he's a mature kid. He looks like he's put on some size. He looks like he's ready for pro hockey. He's excited, so we're excited to work with him.”
The 19-year-old spoke with The Elmonters about his growth over the past year, the bond he shares with fellow members of the Islanders' 2025 draft class, the possibility of playing close to home with the Hamilton Hammers, and more.