New York Islanders Mock Draft Luke Kunin

The New York Islanders may be looking to draft Luke Kunin when it’s their turn at the podium. Eyes on Isles tells you why he would fit in this mock draft.

The New York Islanders will be looking to draft a hard working young kid while they are on the clock this Friday. The center from the University of Wisconsin, Luke Kunin, is known for his speed and could be a great asset for the Islanders as the NHL transitions into a speed dominated game.

Kunin is a playmaker who is mature and plays hard, and would be a great addition to a team that could lose at least two big playmakers this offseason.

Despite all the potential players that could be leaving such as Kyle Okposo, Frans Neilsen, and Matt Martin, the Isles need to pick a player who could replace the ones leaving or compliment those that remain come the start of the season in October.

Luke Kunin could be that guy. He’s reportedly got great hockey IQ and possesses an NHL type shot that many teams will be looking for. Kunin has the skills that the Islanders would greatly appreciate a younger player having.

Words of Praise for Luke Kunin

He has shown he can make the plays that his team needed as he did in Wisconsin. In 34 games Kunin has 19 goals and 13 assists which come out to 32 points for the season. It is no surprise to anyone why he would be sought out as a young star. The 18-year-old is mature for age is looks like he is ready to play in the majors.

Former Badger coach Mike Evans told the Wisconsin journal that “The thing that impresses you the most when you speak to him is his maturity. He’s an 18-year-old going on 25. He is just about getting it done and getting it done the right way.”

Evans continued to rave about his center: “He knows what his goals are in his life, and he just gets it done. He needs to get to a puck, he gets the puck. He does a lot of the little things, but also he’s got the flare to put the puck in the net and make plays.”

A playmaker who is mature and plays hard would be a great addition to a team that could lose at least two big playmakers this offseason. Kunin could help out the pieces missing if several other players leave in the offseason, and could help an offensive line that sometimes needs a spark.

It could be a longshot for the Islanders to pick up Luke Kunin as teams such as the Arizona Coyotes are seeking him. Still with Matt Brazal waiting to join the team as early as next season. The Islanders could possibly draft him and use him in the following season. 

Next: Nielsen Could Re-Sign, Isle Just Can't Overpay

Kunin looks to be a skilled kid and potential superstar and if the Islanders sure could use someone with his skills and the ability to make plays. It may come down to who else is available and is Kunin really made for this team?