New York Islanders Draft Options at Number 15

The NHL Lottery came and went this past Saturday night but unfortunately, the hockey gods did not smile on the New York Islanders. Let’s take a look at who could be available at the fifteenth overall pick in this June’s NHL Draft.

The New York Islanders were beyond a long shot entering the NHL Lottery this past weekend. There was a 97% probability the Isles were going to stay at the 15th spot.

When Bill Daly (NHL deputy commissioner) flipped over the first card at the lottery, the Islanders organization and their fanbase found that their collective lucky rabbit’s foot didn’t work and the blue and orange would be picking 15th overall in round one.

Here are four enticing players who could be on the board when the Islanders pick.

Lias Andersson

Lias Andersson is 5’11, 195 lbs, center, who is a complete player. The Swede is a smart, two-way player. He provides offensive, defense, quickness, grit, and is a gifted skater with offensive skills.

But in addition to all of that, Andersson has drawn rave reviews for his leadership skills and work ethic. Quite a package from this young center and sounds like he will be a core player for some NHL team in the near future.

New York Islanders

Cal Foote

If your wondering if Cal Foote is related to former NHL standout defenseman, Adam, the answer is yes. That’s Cal’s dad.

The kid from Colorado brings a lot of his dad’s abilities to the party and then some. Foote is big (6’3, 198 lbs) and is very strong defensively. But despite his size, Foote is not some plotting blue liner. He is mobile and has offensive skills.

Foote looks like a great bet to become a team’s future second-pairing defenseman. With his size and skills becoming a first pairing blue liner is not out of the question.

Ryan Poehling

Ryan Poehling is another talented American kid, At 6’2, 175 lbs, Poehling is a two-way center that has a lot to offer. Gifted skate who is a playmaker.

What jumps off the page for the kid from Minnesota is his intangibles. He is smart, hard-working, and is a leader. Sounds like he is the American version of Lias Andersson.

Kailer Yamamoto

Is there a bigger first-round wild card this year than Kailer Yamamoto? This youngster comes from Spokane, Washington and has ridiculous skills. He is an electric winger who has a great shot and also possesses quickness and playmaking ability. He is exciting to watch.

So why is he a wild card? Currently, he is just 5’9 and 160 lbs. While today’s NHL game allows smaller players to be contributors, his sleight build is a big question mark.

The combination of Yamamoto and Mathew Barzal does sound very exciting.

Next: Islanders Silver-Lining Off-Season

Yours truly believes the Islanders first-round pick should be in trade talks this off-season. However, if the Isles do pick at 15 they will add another talented kid to their deep prospect pool.