New York Islanders Possible Draft Pick Nicholas Suzuki

With a slim chance of moving up in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders are looking at picking 15th overall. Get to know the new Islander: Nicholas Suzuki.

The New York Islanders have less than a one percent chance to move up and take the first-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft (their odds fo just over 1% for third overall).

It’s possible. In a recent test that we conducted the Isles won the first overall a single time. They fared less well in an attempt to move from 15th to second of third. Not moving up a single time in 100 tries.

The Lightning with slightly better odds moved up a total of six different times.

Must Read: The Isles Odds At the Draft Aren't Very Good

So get comfortable and don’t worry about the draft lottery tomorrow night. It’s incredibly likely that the Isles stay where they are at 15th. So who could they pick up?

Meet Nicholas Suzuki

Ranking 10th amongst North American skaters, Nicholas Suzuki plays for the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. In 65 games for Owen Sound Suzuki has 96 points and another 23 points in the OHL playoffs.

According to Eliteprospect.com:

"A smart offensive center that thinks the game at a fast pace and makes very good decisions on a consistent basis. Though he may not be the biggest player on the ice, Suzuki plays a thick, sturdy game and is hard to knock off the puck, especially when he has his feet moving."

That write-up sound familiar? Because it sums up Mathew Barzal perfectly. Suzuki is only 5’11” and 183lbs (although only 17-years-old). A small skilled center. The only difference? Suzuki scores, a lot.

With 45 goals this season, it ranks him fourth in the entire OHL in goals and fifth in terms of points.

At 17, only turning 18 in August, Suzuki would likely head back to the OHL to mature and hopefully dominate even more before making the linear jump to Bridgeport.

Can the Isles use another dynamic center? Of course. These are prospects, think Forest Gump. You never truly know what you’re going to get. Worst case scenario he’s trade fodder to pick up an NHL ready second line center.

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Best case scenario he turns out to be a stud like he is in juniors and the Isles find themselves with two top tier centers with him and Mathew Barzal.