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

We had to restart our X account. Please follow @MyNHLRumorsX

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.

If you love our reporting, choose NHLrumors.com as a preferred source on Google.

2025-26 Critical Dates

Apr. 16: Regular Season Ends
Apr. 18: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
May 5th?: 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
June 21: Last possible day for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
June 26-27: 2026 NHL Draft
July 1: Free agency begins (12 p.m. ET)