Inside Scoop: Kashawn Aitcheson’s Next Step Toward The Isles Roster
A deep dive into Kashawn Aitcheson’s development path and the Islanders’ strategic timing on his entry-level contract.
Two of the New York Islanders’ 2025 first-round picks have made their intentions known as to their playing plans for the 2025-26 season.
Matthew Schaefer, selected first overall, has his eyes set on an NHL roster spot this fall.
Victor Eklund, selected 16th overall, is headed back to Djurgårdens, fresh off a championship which has them back in the SHL, the top league in Sweden.
Both have already signed their entry-level contracts — Eklund right after development camp and Schaefer this past Monday.
What’s the plan for Kashawn Aitcheson, who the Islanders selected 17th overall?
Glad you asked. Welcome to Free Friday.
I can confirm that Aitcheson will not be going the college hockey route, as he’ll be returning to the OHL for his fourth season with the Barrie Colts. He will be attending Islanders rookie camp this fall.
Aitcheson is known as a vicious physical defenseman, but everyone continues to forget about his offensive game.
The 18-year-old left-side defenseman is coming off his best offensive season in the OHL, with 59 points (26 goals, 33 assists) in 64 games.
His 26 goals ranked third in the OHL amongst defensemen, trailing just San Jose Sharks’ 2024 No. 11 pick and London Knights defenseman Sam Dickinson (29) and Calgary Flames 2024 No. 9 pick Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh (33).
It was his second straight season leading the Colts’ blue line in scoring.
When it comes to development, one might assume that the NCAA route would have been the best for Aitcheson, allowing him to hone his physical skills against players over 20.
However, one of the most significant areas that Aitcheson needs to develop is his skating, which directly impacts not just his ability to play sound defense and stay with the speediest of opponents or get up the ice off the rush, but also the ability to line players up — which directly involves taking initial steps and building up strides.
Aitcheson, of course, could develop those skills on an NCAA roster, but many schools, especially the top programs, wouldn’t have a ton of minutes available for Aitcheson.
For a player like Aitcheson, his skating growth will come from just playing a lot, which is something he’ll get to do with Barrie.
Aitcheson’s decision not to go the college route for the 2025-26 season doesn’t preclude him from playing college hockey in 2026-27, unless he signs his entry-level deal.
Per the new collective bargaining agreement, which kicks in following the 2025-26 season, every NHL team will be able to select one of its 19-year-old prospects who still has OHL eligibility to play in the AHL.
Previously, the AHL had a minimum age limit of 20.
However, a player’s age is based on how old they are on Dec. 31 of that season. Aitcheson will be 20 years old by Dec. 31, 2026, which means that he can play in the AHL that year, if the organization deems him ready.
Now, let's get to why Aitcheson is the lone Islanders’ first-round pick who hasn't signed yet.
One reason is that the NCAA route is still on the table, and signing his ELC puts an end to that — even if the chances of him going that route are slim.
The other reason is controlling the ELC clock.
Aitcheson could 100% sign his ELC right now and still play in the OHL.
If Aitcheson signs his first pro deal and plays fewer than 10 NHL games this season, the contract would slide forward a year. That means his ELC wouldn’t kick in until the 2026-27 season, which means his rookie deal wouldn’t expire following the 2028-29 season.
The rule states that an ELC can slide only two years. Aitcheson has two years of OHL eligibility left.
But the Islanders and Aitcheson’s camp will be waiting until the 2025-26 season ends to ink him to his ELC, per industry sources.
For the Islanders, waiting to sign Aitcheson allows them to delay the clock toward restricted and unrestricted free agency. A sliding ELC doesn’t count against the salary cap.
So, now you may be wondering why the Islanders didn’t go the waiting route with Eklund? Good question.
By signing Eklund immediately, the Islanders ensure that he is their property and get a say in his development process. Him being overseas as opposed to playing in North America certainly played a part.
Eklund, entering his age-19 season, will likely see his ELC slide just one year, with the expectation that he will join the organization next year — given the new CBA rule.
We got on a little tangent, for good reason, but let’s wrap this thing up.
Aitcheson will get his ELC after his fourth season in Barrie before the organization and Aitcheson’s camp decide what the next best step for his development is.
The Toronto native will not only be playing big minutes for Barrie this season, but he’s also projected to make Hockey Canada’s 2026 World Junior Championship team, a major measuring stick when it comes to his development.
ISLANDERS STORIES
SIGN YOUR CHILD UP FOR THE MATT MARTIN HOCKEY ACADEMY CAMP:
Great Article! Two players that are going to be big parts of the Islanders future success. Next year they will both be in the AHL. Eklund is a sneaky guy he will be ready sooner. He is already playing against grown men.
Could be wrong but I don't believe would have to burn the 19y/o AHL eligibility spot on Eklund since he's an international prospect. There is a scenario where both Eklund and Aitcheson are on the Bridgeport/Hamilton Islanders next season.