New York Islanders rookie camp opens later this week.
When you look at the Islanders’ NHL roster, for as much as we’ve talked about a transition, there’s not much room for young prospects to leave their mark right out of the gate.
Inside The Islanders’ ‘Transitional’ Phase
On Tuesday, recently appointed New York Islanders assistant general manager and Hamilton Hammers general manager Evan Gold was asked by Jeff Marek on The Sheet how he viewed his new organization from afar while he was still with the Boston Bruins.
Of course, if the Islanders do end up selling at this year’s NHL Trade Deadline, more opportunities could arise for young players.
But that doesn’t mean rookie camp isn’t tremendously important.
This is where prospects can start putting themselves in position for those opportunities before they ever arrive.
It’s a chance to make an impression on the coaching staff, climb the organizational depth chart, and show just how close they are to being ready when the Islanders eventually need help.
And with limited spots available at NHL training camp — and even fewer opportunities once the preseason begins — what happens over these next few days could go a long way toward determining which prospects get a longer look.