New York Islanders Officially Sign 2017 Draft Pick Sebastian Aho

The New York Islanders made it official and signed their 2017 draft pick Sebastian Aho to a three-year entry-level deal with the team.

Yesterday we talked about the New York Islanders fifth round draft selection deciding to leave the SHL. Well, the Isles made that official and signed their 21-year old draft pick to a three-year entry level deal.

In the Sweedish Hockey League last year Sebastian Aho set career highs. He posted 10 goals and 20 assists for a 30 point season. Not too shabby for a defenseman.

Now this allows for the team to monitor his development much closer. As he’s expected to start the season (and likely complete the season) with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders AHL affiliate.

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This is fantastic news for the Isles, because as they found out with Ilya Sorokin sometimes it’s not easy to get the foreign players to come over to the United States to play. Sorokin just upped his contract with another three-year deal with his KHL team.

The Islanders have some pretty solid depth on the blue line both with the big club and with Bridgeport. Ryan Pulock who is expected to make the big club this year spent all but one game with the Sound Tigers.

You also can’t forget about Devon Toews who was drafted in 2014. He was selected in the fourth round so the Isles weren’t necessarily expecting him to catch on this quickly but don’t be shocked if he gets a shot in Brooklyn this year.

You also have Scott Mayfield and Adam Pelech who tend to flip flop between the NHL and AHL, then, of course, the Isles just added some depth signing two veterans in Seth Helgeson and the other was Kane LaFranchise.

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So Aho will certainly have some competition down in Bridgeport. The positive from this is that the Isles were able to convince a European player to leave and come play in the states. That right there can be chalked up as a win.