The New York Islanders are gearing up for the upcoming season, and their prospects are a cause for excitement. Among the top five prospects, Victor Eklund, Malte Gustafsson, Kashawn Aitcheson, Dmitry Gamzin, and Cole Eiserman, each brings a unique set of skills and potential to the table. Here's a closer look at these promising young players and their paths to the NHL.
Victor Eklund: The Rising Star
Victor Eklund, a 20-year-old forward, is a player to watch. Standing at 5'11" and 161 pounds, he has the physical attributes to make an impact. Eklund's journey began in the Swedish Hockey League, where he finished fourth in scoring among players aged 20 and under. His performance caught the eye of the Islanders, who drafted him with the 16th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. With an assist in his NHL debut, Eklund showed he can contribute right away. The Islanders' center, Bo Horvat, believes there's room for growth, but Eklund didn't look out of place. This season, he has a realistic chance to break training camp and make the team.
Malte Gustafsson: The Young Defenceman
Malte Gustafsson, an 18-year-old defenseman, is already making waves. Standing at 6'4" and 200 pounds, he was selected with the 13th pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Gustafsson's professional journey started in the Swedish Hockey League, where he played for HV71. His performance caught the attention of the Islanders, who signed him to an entry-level contract. Gustafsson's focus and professionalism, as noted by Sweden coach Magnus Havelid, are impressive for his age. With a strong showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase, he's on track to play for Sweden at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Islanders plan to give him more ice time in the Swedish League before bringing him to the NHL next season.
Kashawn Aitcheson: The Goal-Scoring Defenceman
Kashawn Aitcheson, a 20-year-old defenseman, was drafted with the 17th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Standing at 6'2" and 200 pounds, he set a Barrie single-season record for goals by a defenseman. Aitcheson's 171 points in four seasons are a testament to his talent. While he will likely start his professional career with Hamilton in the American Hockey League, the Islanders are giving him a long look during training camp. General manager Mathieu Darche believes Aitcheson is a rare breed, unafraid to answer, and he will prove his worth on the island or in the AHL.
Dmitry Gamzin: The Goal-Keeping Prospect
Dmitry Gamzin, a 23-year-old goaltender, was selected with the 115th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Gamzin's performance in the Kontinental Hockey League is impressive. He led the league in goals-against average and shutouts, and his save percentage was second-best. The Islanders are optimistic about bringing him over, as he follows a similar trajectory to Ilya Sorokin, who joined the team at 24. With a two-year contract with CSKA, Gamzin is on track for an NHL arrival in the 2029-30 season.
Cole Eiserman: The NCAA Graduate
Cole Eiserman, a 20-year-old forward, signed an entry-level contract after an impressive NCAA career. Standing at 6'0" and 195 pounds, he had 64 points in 71 games over two seasons. Eiserman's talent is evident, and the Islanders are keen to see his development. General manager Mathieu Darche mentions that the team is looking for goals, and Eiserman's scoring ability will be crucial. The projected NHL arrival is next season, but his journey will be one to watch.
In summary, the New York Islanders have a strong group of prospects, each with their own unique story. From Eklund's NHL debut to Gustafsson's international success, and Aitcheson's goal-scoring prowess, these players are shaping up to be future stars. Gamzin's goaltending skills and Eiserman's NCAA experience add depth to the organization. As the Islanders prepare for the season, these prospects will play a significant role in their success.
