New York Islanders Prospects Hoping to Make the Show Next October

The New York Islanders have a number of prospects hoping to make the opening night roster next season. Some have a good chance to make the squad, while others are more of a long shot. No doubt there are Isles prospects hoping to make the show next October.

The New York Islanders have had a number of youngsters make their NHL debuts the last couple of years. Mathew Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier are now mainstays. Ryan Pulock is hoping to be considered in that group as well.

More, however, are knocking on the door.

Keifer Bellows

The 19th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft is having a fantastic year. Kieffer Bellows has been one of the best players in the WHL this year for the Portland Winter Hawks and was one of the top players at this year’s World Junior Championships.

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At 6’0, 204 lbs, Bellows is a power forward who is a goal scorer. In addition, Bellows has been noted for his character and intangibles as a player on and off the ice.

The moves the Isles make this off-season could dictate how realistic Bellows’s chances are on making next year’s opening night roster. Regardless of the Isles off-season moves, Bellows will need a big training camp to make the team come October.

Devon Toews

What was most frustrating about Devon Toews’s season-ending shoulder injury this year was he was about to be called up to the big club and make his NHL debut. Unfortunately, that won’t happen until next season.

The Isles fourth-round selection of the 2014 NHL Draft has a chance to be a steal for the blue and orange and be a player the organization can build around for years to come.

Toews is a defenseman who plays a complete game and is an unbelievable skater to boot. Of all the Islander blue line prospects heading into the season, Toews has established himself as #1 on that list.

Like Bellows, off-season moves could dictate Toews’s chances of making the opening night roster next year. Do the Isles acquire a proven NHL defenseman this off-season?

Toews will be up with the big club sooner rather than later next season.

Ho-Sang & Others

Three other considerations for the Isles opening night roster next year is Josh Ho-Sang, Michael Dal Colle, and Linus Soderstrom.

You don’t have to be a hockey scout to see the skills Ho-Sang presents. Question is can he play a complete game? Will Garth Snow and Doug Weight be the ones to decide Ho-Sang’s future in the organization?

Dal Colle has yet to live up to his high draft status. He could fill a bottom-six role next season playing a two-way game.

Soderstrom due to injury has not built on his stellar 2016-17 campaign. He will get a strong look at both prospect and training camps this summer.

Next: Isles Pod: Don't Blame Tavares

Young Talent is not the problem for the Islanders. Putting all the pieces together is the big issue.