The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects and has been condensed from two articles to one. The article will bring you: The highlighted team’s draft; insights into its off-season moves; looking at prospect risers, fallers and likely prospects to play NHL games; and of course, the writers’ top-20 prospects. Articles may be brought back when an important team update occurs, so check back because we plan to fill your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season!

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Make sure to check out the New York Islanders team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/new-york-islanders/

To view past 32s go here: https://dobberprospects.com/category/feature/32-in-32-series/

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The Islanders enter a new era after parting ways with long-time GM Lou Lamoriello and naming Mathieu Darche as his successor. Darche’s first offseason at the helm was nothing short of eventful. He struck a delicate balance between remaining competitive and building for the future, pulling off a series of calculated moves that signal a moderate rebuild without sacrificing the team’s competitive core.

One of the biggest turning points came when the Islanders won the NHL Draft Lottery, securing the first overall pick for the first time since selecting John Tavares in 2009. Before the draft, Darche executed a savvy sign-and-trade deal involving Noah Dobson, sending him to Montreal in exchange for both of the Canadiens’ 2025 first-round picks, plus forward Emil Heineman. The deal might not have looked so good, but then forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson fell to them at 16 and 17 making the trade look even better.  

To bridge the gap between veteran leadership and prospect growth, Darche added short-term, low-risk contracts for experienced players such as Tony DeAngelo, Jonathan Drouin, and highly sought after Russian free agent Maxim Shabanov.  With foundational pieces like Bo Horvat, Ilya Sorokin, and Mathew Barzal still in place, the Islanders are aiming to stay competitive in the short term while building toward a high-upside future.

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NHL Draft Recap

The Islanders added considerable depth to their prospect pipeline through a bold 2025 draft haul reshaping their system from one of the worst to one of the better ones.

Round 1, 1st overall: Matthew Schaefer, LHD

Schaefer is a mobile, two-way defenseman with franchise cornerstone upside. He skates exceptionally well, blending effortless stride mechanics with strong edge work and transitional speed. Schaefer excels in breaking pucks out with control, using his vision and poise to evade pressure and start the attack. Defensively, he’s already proficient at closing gaps and using an active stick, and he plays with an edge without being undisciplined. 

Going to drop a ton of clips from my interview with @ErieOtters Star Matthew Schaefer. But first I am dropping some highlights with music! #NHLDraftlottery pic.twitter.com/hMrya60pXI

— The Prospect Don (@TheProspectDon) May 5, 2025

Offensively, he showed flashes of creativity and quarterbacking instincts on the power play, with a heavy shot and great passing. While he may not be a lock to start on opening night, he’s expected to seriously compete for a roster spot in training camp and could earn meaningful minutes sooner than later. Long-term, Schaefer projects as a top-pairing, all-situations defender with leadership qualities. This pick not only reshapes the Islanders’ blue line, it gives them a future pillar to build around.

Round 1, 16th overall: Victor Eklund, LW

Eklund is a smart, playmaking winger with slick hands and excellent offensive instincts. He sees the ice well, creating space for teammates with quick decisions and deceptive puck movement. 

Victor Eklund (2025) just dropped a 3rd period hatty in the Allsvenskan.

He's up to 7 goals and 11 points in 12 games.

This kid looks even better than his big brother. pic.twitter.com/XMR4myLoqy

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) October 25, 2024

While not the fastest skater, Eklund’s anticipation and creativity make him a constant threat on the power play. He has a relentless motor, and although he lacks size, he plays with a noticeable edge and physicality that should quickly earn the respect of both coaches and Islanders fans alike.

Round 1, 17th overall: Kashawn Aitcheson, RHD

Kashawn Aitcheson is a rangy, right-shot defenseman known for his smooth skating, long reach, and calm decision-making under pressure. He excels in transition and defends with an active stick and strong positional play. 

Enjoy this 2 minute and 45 seconds video of Kashawn Aitcheson. #Isles pic.twitter.com/dHtvp8wU5c

— Isles Territory (@IslesTerritory) June 28, 2025

Aitcheson is the type of player opponents think twice about when crossing the blue line. He brings a physical, intimidating presence and a knack for delivering big hits. With the right development, he projects as a reliable second-pair defender with penalty-killing value and occasional offensive upside.

Round 2, 42nd overall: Daniil Prokhorov, RW

Prokhorov is a massive power winger who plays a hard-nosed, net-front game. He tallied 20 goals in 43 MHL games, showcasing a strong shot and relentless forecheck. While still raw, his combination of size, strength, and scoring touch gives him intriguing middle-six upside if he can round out his puck skills and decision-making.

Round 3, 74th overall: Luca Romano, C

Romano is a slick, playmaking forward who thrives off creativity and vision. He’s elusive in the offensive zone, using quick hands and strong hockey IQ to generate chances. While he’ll need to add strength and consistency to make the leap, Romano’s upside lies in his ability to drive play and contribute on a power play unit. A longer-term project, but one with intriguing offensive tools.

Round 4, 106th overall: Tomas Poletin, LW

A rugged, high-effort winger picked Poletin is tenacious in the corners, lives in the dirty areas, and uses his motor and physicality to create plays off the cycle. While not a flash player, his forechecking, net-front instincts, and winning attitude project well for a bottom-six role with versatility to chip in on the penalty kill or power-play screens.

Round 5, 138th overall: Sam Laurila, RHD

Laurila is a smooth-skating, right-shot defenseman known for his hockey sense and poise under pressure. Though not physically dominant, he makes smart decisions with the puck and plays a mature, positionally sound game. Laurila’s ceiling is as a puck-moving, second-pair defenseman if his offensive instincts continue to blossom. More likely, he’ll settle into a depth role with strong transition value.

Round 6, 170th overall: Burke Hood, G

Hood is a towering goaltender standing 6-4 and 203 pounds. Aside from his size, he has a calm demeanor in net. Hood tracks the puck well and rarely gets caught out of position. His rebound control and lateral movement are still developing, but he shows the foundational tools of a reliable pro. A long-term project, Hood will need several years of seasoning in junior and the AHL, but he could emerge as a capable backup or fringe starter down the road.

Round 7, 202nd overall: Jacob Kvasnicka, RW

Kvasnicka is a dynamic, high-energy winger. His game is built on his lightning-fast skating and aggressive offensive angles. He is relentless in attacking the blue line, thrives on give-and-go plays, and uses sharp quick-twitch hands to break down defenders. While he’s still developing consistency, his puck skills and offensive creativity give him upside as a high-tempo middle-six forward if he continues progressing.

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Off-Season Moves

The Islanders had anything but a quiet offseason, kicking off with the departure of longtime GM Lou Lamoriello and the hiring of Mathieu Darche. The new management wasted little time making bold moves, highlighted by a sign-and-trade that sent Noah Dobson to Montreal in exchange for two first-round picks and forward Emil Heineman. Darche also made bets on a few veterans and re-signed most of his restricted free agents.

Incoming

Jonathan Drouin – After a bounce-back season in Colorado, Drouin signed a two year, $4 million per season deal with the Islanders. A skilled playmaker with strong vision and power-play value, he brings needed offensive creativity. If he maintains consistency, he could emerge as a middle-six contributor or a trade asset at the deadline.

David Rittich – The veteran netminder was brought in to provide goaltending depth behind Sorokin. With over 180 NHL games under his belt, Rittich offers valuable experience.

Maxim Shabanov – The undrafted winger arrives from the KHL after a breakout year with 67 points in 65 games and a standout playoff run. At 5-8, he compensates with elite hands and offensive instincts. He will get a shot at making the team out of camp, but may spend some time in the AHL.

Outgoing

Mike Reilly signed with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was a steady presence on the blue line and helped mentor younger defenders.  

Matt Martin retired and joined the front office. After 15 seasons and over 900 NHL games, Martin officially hung up the skates and transitioned into a front-office role as a special assistant to GM Mathieu Darche. A locker room leader and tone-setter on the ice, Martin’s presence will now be felt in shaping the next generation of Islanders.

Scott Perunovich signed with the Utah Mammoth. Perunovich’s time in New York was short-lived after arriving via trade. A talented puck mover with offensive upside, he’ll look for a fresh start with the Mammoth.

Re-Signed

Tony DeAngelo re-signed to a one year deal worth $1,750,000. After being brought in as a midseason depth option, DeAngelo re-upped for another season. His role may vary depending on how prospects develop, but he offers power play experience and offensive-zone value from the back end.

Simon Holmström re-signed for two years and $3,625,000 per season. After a 20 goal season, hopes are high that Holmström can take another step. He has shot over 20% for two seasons now, but he really needs to shoot more if he’s going to keep that up.

Key Extension Eligible Players

Maxim Shabanov will be a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season and Anders Lee, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Tony DeAngelo will all be unrestricted free agents.

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In the System

Risers

Danny Nelson, C/LW, 49th overall in 2023: 

Nelson continues to trend upward in the Islanders’ system. After showing versatility as both a center and winger, his skating has improved noticeably, along with stronger puck protection and offensive awareness. He projects as a reliable middle-six contributor with penalty-kill upside and some power-forward traits. If his offensive confidence keeps growing, he could crack the NHL sooner than expected.

Isaiah George, LHD, 98th overall in 2022:

George has quietly developed into one of the more dependable blueline prospects in the system. His skating remains a standout strength, allowing him to stay with attackers and close gaps quickly. He reads plays well defensively and makes smart, low-risk outlet passes. He may never be a top-pairing defender, but he looks like a future penalty-kill mainstay and reliable second- or third-pair option. The fact that he already played 33 NHL games is a testament to how quickly he has risen the ranks.

Calle Odelius, LHD, 65th overall in 2022: 

Odelius had a strong season in Sweden, showcasing the smooth skating and transitional puck-moving ability that made him a coveted pick. He makes crisp first passes and can quarterback a second power-play unit. As he continues to round out his defensive game and build strength, he’s positioning himself as a viable modern NHL defenseman, one who can move the puck and keep pace with today’s speed-driven game.

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Fallers

William Dufour, RW, 152nd overall in 2020

Once considered a promising power forward with a booming shot, Dufour failed to make a lasting impact at the pro level. Skating limitations and inconsistency plagued his development, and the Islanders ultimately chose not to renew his contract. He has since signed in the KHL, signaling a likely end to his NHL aspirations — at least for now.

Ruslan Iskhakov, C/LW, 43rd overall in 2018

A skilled playmaker who posted back-to-back 50-point seasons in the AHL, Iskhakov made his NHL debut with an assist in limited action in 2023-24. Despite flashes of offensive upside, size concerns (5-7) and questions about consistency lingered. He ultimately elected to return to Russia, signing with CSKA Moscow and later moving to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, signaling that his development trajectory is no longer tied to the Islanders, though they retain his rights.

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Likely to see NHL action

Matthew Schaefer signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders. Though he only played 17 OHL games in his draft season, he remains one of the most NHL-ready prospects and is likely to see at least nine NHL games this season.

Isaiah George already played 33 NHL games during the 2024–25 season due to defensive injuries. Though they have bolstered their defense, it’s likely George will at least be a call-up in 2025-26.

Calum Ritchie, who was acquired via trade during the 2024–25 season, started the season in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche. He will likely get more than the nine game trial this season as he looks to secure a permanent spot in the middle six.

Cole Eiserman remains unsigned so he will likely return to Boston University of the NCAA. He should see NHL action after his NCAA season is over in the Spring. 

Danny Nelson is expected to return to Notre Dame for his junior year, but like Eiserman, expect to see Nelson in the NHL in the spring after his NCAA season wraps up.Jesse Pulkkinen got his first taste of AHL action last season. He will likely be primarily in the AHL during the 2025-26 season, but don’t be surprised to see him get a call-up this season.

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Top 20 Prospects

This section is intended to paint a picture of the New York Islanders prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL. Arrival date and NHL certainty have been taken into consideration; however, potential upside is the most important factor in determining this list.

1. Matthew Schaefer
2. Marcus Gidlof
3. Victor Eklund
4. Calum Ritchie
5. Kashawn Aitcheson
6. Cole Eiserman
7. Dmitri Gamzin
8. Maxim Shabanov
9. Quinn Finley
10. Burke Hood
11. Luca Romano
12. Kamil Bednarik
13. Jesse Pulkkinen
14. Danny Nelson
15. Tomas Poletin
16. Adam Beckman
17. Xavier Veilleux
18. Justin Gill
19. Sam Laurila
20. Daniil Prokhorov

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Final thoughts

The Islanders’ 2025 draft injected speed, skill, and physicality into their prospect pool. Matthew Schaefer anchors the defense with potential NHL readiness, while Eklund, Aitcheson, and Prokhorov add diverse offensive and physical tools. Supporting cast like Nelson and George provide depth and balance. The long-term pipeline is shaping up nicely—even if an immediate impact isn’t guaranteed, by 2026‑27 the Isles could re-emerge as a dark horse playoff threat if development progresses as hoped.

The Islanders have retooled effectively under Darche: recouping premium assets for Dobson, landing elite pick Schaefer, adding immediate support through signings, and safeguarding depth across all levels. If Schaefer pushes for the roster and Shabanov hits, this looks like it could be renaissance year. Sorokin could carry this team to the playoffs, but more likely, they are a year or two away from making it.

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Make sure to check out the New York Islanders team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/new-york-islanders/

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Victor Nuñ