The Islanders have had a tendency to avoid drafting in the first round during Lou Lamoriello’s tenure as general manager. However, their draft record since Lamoriello took over in 2018 is not as bad as some might think. While they may not have any future stars playing for AHL Bridgeport and the potential of their most promising young players is still uncertain, it’s important to note that the Islanders have only made 16 picks from 2020-22. This scarcity of picks has contributed to their low ranking in NHL farm system rankings, but it’s not solely indicative of the quality of players they have drafted.
One area of concern is the seeming lack of interest in keeping draft picks. The Islanders have had few first-round picks during Lamoriello’s tenure, with their only full stock of picks being in his first draft in 2018. Lamoriello didn’t express much enthusiasm for this year’s draft, or any other topics, when speaking to reporters recently. However, he did acknowledge that scouts believe this year’s draft class is deep.
In this year’s draft, the Islanders will be picking 49th, 113th, 145th, 177th, and 209th. Unfortunately, their first-round pick was traded for Bo Horvat, and their third-round pick, along with a 2022 second-rounder, became cap casualties when Andrew Ladd was traded to Arizona. It’s possible that more picks will need to be traded in order to prioritize moving Josh Bailey’s cap hit. These circumstances have limited the Islanders’ options, thanks to the flat cap and the organization’s belief that previous seasons are more indicative of the team’s potential than the upcoming seasons.
Despite these challenges, the Islanders have still managed to find promising players in the draft. Players like Samuel Bolduc, William Dufour, Aatu Raty, and Matt Maggio all show potential to become NHL contributors. However, Raty’s contribution to the team was ultimately as part of the trade for Horvat. Other players, such as Arnaud Durandeau, drafted by Garth Snow, have also shown promise. Simon Holmstrom, the only first-round pick made by Lamoriello since 2018, did not have a significant impact last season.
Looking ahead, the Islanders are in need of depth in certain positions, particularly on defense. While they have depth down the middle, adding a center could be beneficial, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding Ruslan Ishakov’s play due to his smaller frame. Players like Calle Odelius, Quinn Finley, and goaltender Tristan Lennox are still too far away to predict their potential.
With only five picks, and just one before the fourth round, the Islanders understand that their aging core will eventually require a rebuilding process. They’re not making lofty promises, but a step forward in their draft choices would be a welcomed improvement.
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