Mathieu Darche will be under pressure to sign 2 NY Islanders prospects or risk losing them to free agency

"Nelson was selected 49th overall in 2023, while Finley was taken 78th overall in 2022. For prospects who play in the NCAA, teams have until August 15, after the player's graduation, to sign them to an ELC before they become a free agent. With Nelson and Finley completing their junior season, this is a crucial time for Mathieu Darche to ink both players or risk the chance of losing them next summer for nothing."

"Nelson, a 6'3" center, played 36 games this season, recording 13 goals and 16 assists, improving his point totals each season while at Notre Dame. He played for the 2024 and 2025 USA teams at the WJC, capturing gold medals both years. He is projected as a middle-six center, capable of playing the wing as well."

"As second and third-round picks, Darche will want to have both players under their ELC, or at least an ATO, meaning they could play the remainder of the season with the Bridgeport Islanders."

Following NCAA Conference Tournament eliminations, NY Islanders prospects Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley face critical contract situations. Nelson, a 6'3" center selected 49th overall in 2023, recorded 13 goals and 16 assists across 36 games this season while improving annually at Notre Dame. Finley, a 5'11" goal-scoring winger taken 78th overall in 2022, accumulated 15 goals and 13 assists at Wisconsin. Both completed their junior seasons, triggering an August 15 deadline for the Islanders to sign them to entry-level contracts or lose them to free agency. GM Darche must act quickly to secure these second and third-round picks, potentially offering ATOs allowing them to play for Bridgeport Islanders.

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