Despite the New York Islanders being cup contenders, they still had a solid draft adding 8 prospects.
Roby Jarventie – LW –2nd Round, 59th Overall – 7.0/3.5 (Dobber Fantasy Upside/NHL Certainty)
With the first pick, the Islanders added a speedy goal scoring winger. A modern power forward who uses his size to protect the puck. Isn’t afraid to drive to the net. Owns a great shot and decent playmaking abilities. Has potential to become a 30-goal scorer. Jarventie projects as a top 6 winger.
Eamon Powell – D – 4th Round, 92nd Overall – Dobber Ratings NA
With the next pick, the Isles added the best skater in the draft. His skating and hockey IQ are at an elite level which could take him very far in the NHL. If he can improve on his weaknesses, the sky’s the limit for the Boston College commit. Powell has top four potential.
Anton Johannesson – D – 4th Round, 112th Overall – 8.0/2.0 (Dobber Fantasy Upside/NHL Certainty)
The second defender taken by New York, Johannesson could be a real gem. He has elite puck skills and is very smart with the puck. He skates with ease and can move around coast-to-coast with the puck. He is also a strong first pass defenseman and plays with confidence in tight situations. He processes the game well and has strong awareness. Johannesson projects as a top four defender.
Mitchell Miller – D – 5th Round, 142nd Overall – Dobber Ratings NA
The Islanders went for their third defender in a row selecting Miller, a player ranked much higher on many draft boards. Certainly more of an offensive defenseman, Miller has shown that he has the skill required to make an impact at the next level. His skills are great for today’s fast-paced game and whichever team calls his name will be getting a solid prospect. Miller projects as a middle pairing defender.
Theo Rochette – C – 5th Round, 146th Overall – Dobber Ratings NA
A few picks later, the Isles went for a player who had first round talk, but has fallen. Heading into the beginning of the season Rochette was considered one of the best passers in the entire draft and it wasn’t by accident. He has above-average vision and can thread the needle with a hard, accurate pass. Rochette is one of those players who can stickhandle in a phone booth. Rochette projects as a middle six center.
Dmitri Zlodeyev – C – 6th Round, 176th Overall – 5.0/2.0 (Dobber Fantasy Upside/NHL Certainty)
New York went with another center at the end of the 6th round, with a two way scoring center. A responsible 200-foot player with solid playmaking and shooting ability. Can lead a powerplay by himself. With the puck on his stick, Zlodeyev is nearly impossible to stop. To go along with his pure speed, his lateral movement and agility make him incredibly unpredictable and he uses his skating ability to create space in the offensive zone. Zlodeyev projects as a middle six center.
Nick Malik – G – 7th Round, 185th Overall – 7.5/2.0 (Dobber Fantasy Upside/NHL Certainty)
With the next pick, the Islanders added a goalie projected to go much higher in the draft. A butterfly goalie with good size, superb reflexes, good puck skills, and NHL bloodlines. Has already had success at the men’s level at a young age. Malik projects to become a starting goalie at the NHL level.
Simon Kubicek – D – 7th Round, 206th Overall – 5.0/2.0 (Dobber Fantasy Upside/NHL Certainty)
The Islanders closed out the draft by getting great value with Kubicek. Kubicek is a solid two-way defender who can play in all situations. He certainly is not a flashy player in any regard but is quite effective no matter how he is deployed. He projects to be a middle pairing defender.