Most of the talk this summer focused on how close the New York Islanders’ top prospects were to being NHL-ready.
Forward Victor Eklund, whom the Islanders selected 16th overall in 2025, is the closest, as he could very well win a top-nine role this fall.
Cole Eiserman, whom the Islanders snagged 20th overall in 2024, is closer to NHL-ready than I would have thought after putting in tremendous work to improve his play away from the puck and his skating.
Although he’s also had a strong camp, I think time in Hamilton will be incredibly beneficial.
Then, you have Kashawn Aitcheson, a violent defenseman whom the Islanders selected 17th overall in 2025 — right after Eklund — who is a much stronger skater than he was even a few months ago. He’s choosing his spots more on the ice, but like Eiserman, he certainly needs some seasoning in the AHL. There’s no room on the NHL roster anyway.
Speaking of no room, defenseman Isaiah George, whom the Islanders selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, has looked better and better as training camp has progressed. The seventh defenseman spot is his to lose, and who knows, maybe he can even crack the starting lineup.
The likes of Daniil Prokhorov, Luca Romano, Vladimir Dravecky, Gleb Veremyev, and other prospects have impressed, too.
It’s been incredible to see the Islanders’ prospect pipeline take a much-needed step forward.
You know who hasn’t been talked about too much this summer?
Matthew Schaefer.
And that might be the best sign of all.