The New York Islanders significantly improved their prospect pool through draft lottery luck and strategic moves by Lou Lamoriello and Mathieu Darche. Elite Prospects named five Islanders among its top 100 drafted prospects, led by Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick, who ranks just behind Ivan Demidov. Schaefer is a smooth-skating defenseman with on- and off-ice traits projecting to an elite NHL career and potentially the franchise's best defenseman in decades. Victor Eklund, drafted 16th, ranked 21st and is praised for his defensive tenacity and reliable two-way play. Calum Ritchie, acquired for Brock Nelson, ranked 23rd and projects as an NHL-ready two-way center who could anchor a top lineup.
Elite Prospects, one of the top scouting outlets in the world, recently dropped its top 100 drafted prospects, with the Islanders having five players named. At the top of the list is, of course, Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, trailing only Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens. A smooth-skating defenseman, Schaefer possesses the qualities both on and off the ice to become a superstar in this league, potentially giving the Isles their best defenseman in decades.
While Eklund could put up an impressive point total in the NHL, he has a 'B' game, which should give him a long and prosperous career regardless of his point totals. A hound with and without the puck, Eklund is capable of making a long career for himself. Coming in at No. 23 is Calum Ritchie, whom the Islanders acquired for Brock Nelson at last season's trade deadline.
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