Haha while I can’t say I know much about the kid, I do know that you don’t win the hoby baker if you suck. For a second and maybe a third rounder to land a former first rounder is a do imho.
- kindlyrick

I do believe the thread of this conversation has been lost. I think you're referring to Isaac Howard? I was involved in a much more intellectual conversation regarding hot Islander wives/girlfriends.

But I agree with you that it would be great to land Howard.

The new draft set up is a bit weird. They used to have GM and whoever else on stage to hand the jersey and take a photo. I felt like I saw too much of Gary Bettman (who doesn’t look well).
- kindlyrick

Did he ever?

2nd round....... Isles select Daniil Prokhorov, a 6' 6" Russian RW, listed at 219 lbs.

That's a big boy!

2nd round....... Isles select Daniil Prokhorov, a 6' 6" Russian RW, listed at 219 lbs.

That's a big boy!
- JohnScammo

Yeah it’s looking like Darche likes a specific style/brand of hockey. Big boys who can skate and play with an edge!

Yeah it’s looking like Darche likes a specific style/brand of hockey. Big boys who can skate and play with an edge!
- kindlyrick

I guess.... Eklund is listed at only 161 lbs., so it's hard to say.

I guess.... Eklund is listed at only 161 lbs., so it's hard to say.
- JohnScammo

Yeah he’s the only one outta 4 who isn’t 6’2 or bigger. But they’re all great skaters. Aitcheson can play right now….beast and most first overalls play in the league right away so the isles could be adding Aitcheson and Schaefer next year

Mathew Schaefers dad, Todd Schaefer looks exactly like Todd McLellan.

Yeah he’s the only one outta 4 who isn’t 6’2 or bigger. But they’re all great skaters. Aitcheson can play right now….beast and most first overalls play in the league right away so the isles could be adding Aitcheson and Schaefer next year
- kindlyrick

Possibly, but Schaefer is the 2nd youngest first overall pick in the history of the NHL. That and the fact that d-men take a little longer to develop makes me think they may give him either another year in juniors or a year in college to develop, both physically and in terms of learning to play NHL-style defense.

Mathew Schaefers dad, Todd Schaefer looks exactly like Todd McLellan.
- kindlyrick

Yes! Now that you mention it....

Next pick is the Islanders' 3rd round pick.... Luca Romano

Center, listed at 6' 0", 177 lbs.

Next pick is the Islanders' 3rd round pick.... Luca Romano

Center, listed at 6' 0", 177 lbs.
- JohnScammo

Another skilled guy with speed!

Possibly, but Schaefer is the 2nd youngest first overall pick in the history of the NHL. That and the fact that d-men take a little longer to develop makes me think they may give him either another year in juniors or a year in college to develop, both physically and in terms of learning to play NHL-style defense.
- JohnScammo

You’re 100% right, I just think he has the ability and while he’s super young, there’s not much boy left in him.

Stefen Rosner

#Isles select LW Tomas Poletin with pick No. 106.

Energetic and physical. Was captain of Czechia U-18 World Championship team. #Isles



Another engine drafted

Stefen Rosner

#Isles select LW Tomas Poletin with pick No. 106.

Energetic and physical. Was captain of Czechia U-18 World Championship team. #Isles



Another engine drafted
- kindlyrick

They all sound so good and promising on draft day. But hey, you never know!

They all sound so good and promising on draft day. But hey, you never know!
- JohnScammo

Haha so true you never know. Too many times the isles whiffed. But what I like is they’re drafting skating, handling and energy. Mix that with good coaching and developing and you have cup contenders

Haha so true you never know. Too many times the isles whiffed. But what I like is they’re drafting skating, handling and energy. Mix that with good coaching and developing and you have cup contenders
- kindlyrick

I think these later rounds go faster, because the teams all realize that they are a total crapshoot, and they have no idea about whether any of these late round guys will ever sniff the NHL.

5th round....... Sam Laurila, D-man. 6' 1" , 191 lbs.

6th round ...... Burke Hood, a goalie. 6' 4" 202

And the 7th pick, your 2026 Conn Smythe trophy winner.......

Jacob Kvasnicka, RW, listed at 6' 0", 170

And the 7th pick, your 2026 Conn Smythe trophy winner.......

Jacob Kvasnicka, RW, listed at 6' 0", 170
- JohnScammo

There’s been talk of the isles trying to move mayfield this summer. That would be great if they can find a buyer. I think they should re sign DeAngelo, he looked solid for the short time he was with the isles.


Anyone hear any July 1st rumors for the isles?

There’s been talk of the isles trying to move mayfield this summer. That would be great if they can find a buyer. I think they should re sign DeAngelo, he looked solid for the short time he was with the isles.


Anyone hear any July 1st rumors for the isles?
- kindlyrick

Danny Markov (E4)

Danny Markov (E4)
- potvin05

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad
Gaining traction as a top-tier UFA, and Darche has already hinted at targeting “top defenseman Aaron Ekblad” to fill the right-side gap  .
• Right Wing Nikolaj Ehlers
Islanders are reportedly showing interest in Ehlers, a speedy winger coming off a 63-point season, and he’s expected to test June 1 free agency  .
• Tony DeAngelo
Darche mentioned possible interest in re-signing DeAngelo, a right-shot defenseman already familiar with the Islanders system

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad
Gaining traction as a top-tier UFA, and Darche has already hinted at targeting “top defenseman Aaron Ekblad” to fill the right-side gap  .
• Right Wing Nikolaj Ehlers
Islanders are reportedly showing interest in Ehlers, a speedy winger coming off a 63-point season, and he’s expected to test June 1 free agency  .
• Tony DeAngelo
Darche mentioned possible interest in re-signing DeAngelo, a right-shot defenseman already familiar with the Islanders system
- kindlyrick

Ekblad would be a great mentor for Schaefer and other young dman. I would not want Ehlers with his injury history.

Ekblad would be a great mentor for Schaefer and other young dman. I would not want Ehlers with his injury history.
- ses111

I agree with you on Ekblad, and I think he’s on Darche’s radar as option A. Option B is prob DeAngelo