If you’ve spent any time at UBS Arena lately, you know the vibe. It’s a mix of gritty veteran loyalty and that nagging, back-of-the-mind worry about what happens when the wheels eventually come off the wagon. For years, the farm system was... well, let’s be honest, it was a bit of a desert. But things are shifting. Fast.
The new york islanders top prospects aren't just names on a spreadsheet anymore; they are actually starting to look like a legitimate wave of NHL-ready talent. We aren't just talking about "safe" fourth-line grinders, either. We are seeing high-ceiling goal scorers, physical defensive anchors, and even a potential franchise-altering defenseman.
The Crown Jewel: Matthew Schaefer
You can't talk about the pipeline without starting at the very top. Getting the first-overall pick in 2025 was the kind of luck this franchise hasn't seen in decades. Matthew Schaefer didn't just make the roster; he basically kicked the door down.
Most 18-year-old defensemen look like deer in headlights when they face guys like McDavid or MacKinnon. Not Schaefer. His skating is fluid—kinda like he’s gliding an inch above the ice rather than on it. He’s already eating up significant minutes, and his ability to move the puck from the defensive zone to the attack is something the Isles have desperately lacked. He’s the undisputed king of the new york islanders top prospects list.
Cole Eiserman: The Goal-Scoring Machine
If Schaefer is the brain of the future, Cole Eiserman is the heart—specifically the part of the heart that loves ripping pucks past helpless goalies. Drafted 20th overall in 2024, Eiserman is currently tearing it up in his sophomore year at Boston University.
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People worried about his "one-dimensional" play during his draft year. Honestly? When that one dimension is being the best pure goal-scorer in his age group, you take it. He broke the USNTDP goal record for a reason. As of mid-January 2026, he’s already hovering around 12 points in 16 games for the Terriers, and his shot remains an absolute weapon. He’s the type of player who makes you hold your breath whenever he enters the high slot.
The College Connection: Nelson and Finley
While Eiserman gets the headlines, Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley are proving that the Islanders have a type. They like guys who are hard to play against.
- Danny Nelson: The Notre Dame captain. He’s a big, rangy 6’3” center who can dominate the faceoff circle. He recently picked up a silver medal at the Spengler Cup with the U.S. Collegiate Selects. He’s the ultimate "Patrick Roy" player—defensively responsible but with enough offensive touch to chip in 15–20 goals at the NHL level.
- Quinn Finley: This kid is a dark horse. Playing for the University of Wisconsin, Finley has exploded. He’s a point-per-game player right now in the Big Ten, and he just secured a silver medal alongside Nelson. He’s fast. Like, really fast. He scored a shorthanded game-winner recently that had scouts buzzing.
The 2025 Draft Haul: More Than Just Luck
Lou Lamoriello and his staff went to work in 2025. Beyond Schaefer, they landed some serious pieces that are currently marinating in the juniors and Europe.
Kashawn Aitcheson is a name you need to circle. He’s a defenseman for the Barrie Colts in the OHL and he just helped Team Canada snag a bronze at the World Juniors. He’s got 21 goals in 30 games. For a defenseman! That's absurd. He plays with a nasty edge, too—43 penalty minutes so far this season. He’s basically the modern version of a throwback blueliner.
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Then there’s the "seventh-round steal" conversation. Jacob Kvasnicka was picked 202nd overall in 2025, but you wouldn't know it by looking at the WHL scoring race. He’s been the WHL Rookie of the Week in back-to-back weeks for the Penticton Vees. He’s got 53 points in 38 games. Scouts are starting to wonder how he fell so far. His size (5’11”) was the knock, but his skill is undeniable.
Between the Pipes: Marcus Gidlof
Don't sleep on the goalies. Marcus Gidlof, a 2025 fifth-rounder, is making some noise over in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
Playing for Leksands IF, the 20-year-old has already racked up two shutouts this season. His .900 save percentage might not look "elite" on paper, but remember, he’s a kid playing against grown men in one of the toughest leagues in the world. He’s huge, he’s calm, and he’s exactly the kind of prospect you want developing in the background while Sorokin carries the heavy lifting in New York.
Why the Narrative is Shifting
For years, the "experts" ranked the Islanders' system near the bottom of the league. It was a fair critique. But the 2024 and 2025 drafts changed everything.
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The depth is real now. You have Victor Eklund (brother of William Eklund) showing flashes in Sweden. You have Kamil Bednarik playing a heavy, reliable game at BU. You have Jesse Nurmi finding his footing with the London Knights in the OHL. It’s no longer a top-heavy system; it’s a tiered, functional pipeline.
The biggest challenge for the Islanders has always been balancing a "win-now" window with the need to replenish the cupboard. They finally seem to be doing both.
What to Watch For Next
If you want to track these guys, keep an eye on the NCAA tournament and the OHL/WHL playoffs. That’s where we’ll see if guys like Aitcheson and Eiserman can handle the pressure of the big stage.
Expect to see Danny Nelson sign his entry-level contract as soon as Notre Dame’s season ends. He’s likely heading to Bridgeport for a cup of coffee before pushing for an NHL roster spot next fall. Cole Eiserman will probably stay at BU for one more year to round out his defensive game, but his goal-scoring is already pro-ready.
The new york islanders top prospects are finally giving the fanbase something they haven't had in a long time: a reason to look at the future with genuine excitement instead of just hope.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Follow the Bridgeport Islanders box scores; many of these names will transition there by late March.
- Track the WHL rookie scoring leaders to see if Kvasnicka can maintain his torrid pace through the end of the season.
- Monitor the IIHF World Championship rosters in May, as some of these collegiate stars may get a call-up to represent their countries.