The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects! Every day in July we will be bringing you a complete breakdown of a team’s Draft, and insights into their off-season movements thus far. Following this up in August, we will dive into every team’s prospect depth chart with fantasy insights and implications for the upcoming seasons. Check back often, because we plan on filling your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season long!
The 2023 Draft
Second Round (49) – Danny Nelson, C
For not having a pick until pick 49 of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Islanders hit a home run with Danny Nelson. A two-way center who drives play and finds space without the puck. Nelson is a big power forward who likes to play in the tough areas of the ice.
He uses his big frame to his advantage, attacks up the middle, protects the puck, can score and make plays. Nelson is responsible defensively and played defense in high school.
He will be playing for Notre Dame next season.
Round Four (113) – Jesse Nurmi, LW
Jesse Nurmi is an offensive-minded player with good off puck instincts. He creates space to receive passes and likes to get in on the forecheck as well as create on the rush.
Nurmi is under contract with his Liiga team, KooKoo, until 2025-26.
Round Five (145) – Justin Gill, C
Justin Gill can create shot chances for himself without the puck. He always looks to make a play with or without the puck. Gill can create and score goals. An over-ager, Gill has an NHL ready frame with decent Hockey IQ.
Round Six (177) – Zachary Schulz, D
Known for his defensive abilities, Schulz is a self-proclaimed stay-at-home defensemen. He has the ability to shut down opposing players on the rush and is a physical defensemen with good instincts in the defensive zone. Schulz captained the 2023 U18 USNTDP and will play at Wisconsin University next year.
Round Seven (209) – Dennis Good Bogg, D
Good Bogg played all but 5 games of last season in the Swedish junior league for AIK. Bogg has NHL size but has a long way to go before playing for the Islanders.
Off-Season Moves
– Traded Josh Bailey and a 2026 2nd round pick to Chicago for Future Considerations
– Signed forward Pierre Engvall to a seven-year contract.
– Signed goaltender Semyon Varlamov to a four-year contract.
– Signed goaltender Ilya Sorokin to an eight-year contract extension. The contract will go begin at the start of the 2024-25 season.
– Signed defenseman Scott Mayfield to a seven-year contract.
– Signed center Karson Kuhlman to a one-year contract.
– Signed Oliver Wahlstrom to a one-year contract.
Outgoing Players: Josh Bailey (Chicago)
Incoming Players: Karson Kuhlman
Rest of the offseason:
New York Islanders General Manager, Lou Lamoriello, is in the market to make a hockey trade or two to acquire a true goal scorer so the Islanders off-season may not be over just yet.
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