2025-26 New York Islanders Top Prospects
| McKeen’s Hockey May 3rd, 2026 |
Scott Wheeler The Athletic Mar. 29th, 2026 |
Jon Lane NHL.com Aug. 17th, 2025 |
Victor Nuno Dobber Prospects Aug. 24th, 2025 |
|
| 1 | Victor Eklund (RW) | Calum Ritchie (C) | Matthew Schaefer (D) | Matthew Schaefer (LHD) |
| 2 | Kashawn Aitcheson (LHD) | Kashawn Aitcheson (LHD) | Calum Ritchie (F) | Marcus Gidlöf (G) |
| 3 | Cole Eiserman (LW) | Victor Eklund (LW) | Cole Eiserman (F) | Victor Eklund (LW) |
| 4 | Danny Nelson (C) | Cole Eiserman (LW) | Victor Eklund (F) | Calum Ritchie (C) |
| 5 | Daniil Prokhorov (RW) | Dmitri Gamzin (G) | Kashawn Aitcheson (D) | Kashawn Aitcheson (D) |
| 6 | Dmitri Gamzin (G) | Daniil Prokhorov (LW/RW) | Cole Eiserman (LW) | |
| 7 | Tomas Poletin (LW) | Danny Nelson (C) | Dmitri Gamzin (G) | |
| 8 | Isaiah George (LHD) | Quinn Finley (LW) | Maxim Shabanov (RW) | |
| 9 | Xavier Veilleux (LHD) | Isaiah George (LHD) | Quinn Finley (LW) | |
| 10 | Marshall Warren (LHD) | Xavier Veilleux (LHD) | Burke Hood (G) |
** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.
Victor Eklund – The younger brother of San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund, Victor brings a similar blend of skill, intelligence, and relentless competitiveness. Despite not being a physically imposing player, he plays with tremendous energy and attacks every puck battle aggressively. His skating is explosive, allowing him to pressure defenders, create turnovers, and generate offense off the rush.
Kashawn Aitcheson – Aitcheson plays a hard, aggressive style and enjoys making life difficult for opposing forwards, but he is much more than simply a physical defenseman. He moves well for his size, can contribute offensively, and possesses a heavy shot from the point. Over the last two seasons, his puck-moving game and decision-making have improved significantly, helping him become a more complete player.
Cole Eiserman – Few prospects possess his ability to release the puck quickly, accurately, and from virtually any position in the offensive zone. He can score from distance, off the rush, on the power play, or around the net. Earlier concerns about his all-around game have gradually lessened as he has become more engaged away from the puck and improved his overall playmaking.
Daniil Prokhorov – Standing well over six feet tall, the Russian winger uses his frame effectively while also showing impressive puck-handling ability and offensive instincts. He is difficult to defend when he is moving downhill because he can protect the puck and create offense through both power and finesse. Scouts have been encouraged by his offensive growth over the last couple of seasons, particularly his improved confidence with the puck.
Danny Nelson – He possesses excellent size, strong skating, and a mature understanding of the game in all three zones. Nelson’s offensive numbers may not always jump off the page, but he consistently impacts games through smart positioning, faceoff ability, defensive responsibility, and leadership qualities. Coaches trust him in difficult situations because he rarely makes costly mistakes and can match up against top opponents.
2025 New York Islanders Draft Picks
| Rd. | # | Player | Pos. | Team | Ht. | Wt. |
| 1 | 1 | Matthew Schaefer | LHD | Erie (OHL) | 6′ 2″ | 186 |
| 1 | 16 | Victor Eklund | LW/RW | Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) | 5’11” | 169 |
| 1 | 17 | Kashawn Aitcheson | LHD | Barrie (OHL) | 6′ 2″ | 199 |
| 2 | 42 | Daniil Prokhorov | RW | Dynamo (MHL) | 6′ 6″ | 219 |
| 3 | 74 | Luca Romano | C | Kitchener (OHL) | 6′ 0″ | 177 |
| 4 | 106 | Tomas Poletin | LW | Pelicans (FIN) | 6′ 2″ | 206 |
| 5 | 138 | Sam Laurila | D | Fargo (USHL) | 6′ 1″ | 191 |
| 6 | 170 | Burke Hood | G | Vancouver (WHL) | 6′ 4″ | 202 |
| 7 | 202 | Jacob Kvasnicka | RW | Usa U-18 (NTDP – USHL) | 6′ 0″ | 170 |
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