A quick look at the Islanders' draft picks - Newsday
The Islanders’ first first overall pick since John Tavares in 2009 was a no-brainer selection. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked him first among North American skaters despite illness and a broken collarbone limiting him to 17 OHL games. He’s shown superior skills at both ends of the ice and likely has the best skating ability of anybody of the prospects, regardless of position.
The Islanders got good value as Eklund, the linemate of third overall pick Anton Frondell (Chicago) last season, surprisingly was available at No. 16. The younger brother of the Sharks’ William Eklund had the most points (31) by an 18-year-old in Sweden’s second division since Elias Pettersson in 2016-17.
Aitcheson’s 26 goals were the third-most among OHL defensemen but it will be his physical strength and style and willingness to be an agitator that will serve him best in the NHL. He readily admits he loves getting under the skin of opponents. A potential top-four defenseman.
A raw talent with an NHL-sized body who effectively uses his size and has a shoot-first, shoot-often mentality. His quick release and heavy shot are huge assets as he notched 20 goals in the Russian junior league but he will need plenty of development time.
A speedy skater who plays a top-line role for Kitchener and is a staple on the power play. He had 25 goals and 26 assists in 67 OHL games with an offensive-minded game.
A rugged power forward who plays a simple, smart game. He did not have a point in 15 Finnish Elite League games but was captain of Czechia’s under-18 squad and compiled 13 goals and seven assists in 24 international games.
The left-shooting defenseman had eight goals and 33 assists in 57 USHL games after spending two seasons with the U.S. National Development Team. He took strides in his offensive game this season to add to his smart, defensive play.
Hood combines good size and a strong, technical game. He went 19-13-6 with a 3.13 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 42 games, playing better the second half of the season.
Kvasnicka is a strong forechecker who compiled five goals and nine assists in 27 USHL games. He plays with a high pace of play.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
