New York Islanders 2017-18 Season: Prospects Hoping To Make Roster

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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 25: A general view of the draft table for the New York Islanders during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Devon Toews

Is it fair to give Devon Toews the New York Islanders 2016-17 breakout player of the year award? No offense to Josh Ho-Sang, but Toews’ performance last season truly came out of nowhere.

Toews was drafted in the fourth round (108th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft. THe year before his draft Toews was already a prolific scorer. Putting up 47 points in 48 games for the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL.

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In 2013-14, now playing for Quinnipiac University of the NCAA Toews production went way down, registering only 17 points in 37 games. The noticeable dip in production scared a number of scouts, and so his stock fell considerably.

Thankfully for the Isles, Toews just got better and better. By his third season with Quinnipiac, Towes registered 30 points in 40 games during the 2015-16 season and helped the Bobcats reach the NCAA Frozen Four Finals.

Not wanting to let Toews reach that elusive fourth year and have a Jimmy Vesey situation on their hands like Nashville did, the Isles signed him to a three year ELC. In 2016-17 Toews made the jump to the AHL and dominated.

In 76 games Toews put up 45 points on the blue line. He made the AHL all-star team as the Sound Tigers sole representative and earned the league fastest skater award.

If there’s a darkhorse to make the New York Islanders active roster in 2017-18 it’s Devon Toews.

Next: What's The Isles Best Overtime Trio for 2017-18?

The summer has barely begun and I already can’t wait for Isles training camp. These six players should figure predominantly during camp to sure up a spot on the team next season. Based on the level of competition, if either have a quite camp they might just start the year in the AHL over the NHL.