New York Islanders 2018 NHL Mock Draft 1.0

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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: Kieffer Bellows celebrates with the New York Islanders after being selected 19th during round one of the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

10. Ty Smith (D) | New York Islanders

Spokane Chiefs, 5’11”, 176 lbs | 69 games 73 points (14G, 59A)

No that’s not a typo, Ty Smith really had 59 assists last year in the WHL. He was second in the league behind New York Islanders prospect David Quenneville.

Ty Smith is described as an elite skater, whose upside puts him atop the draft with any other defensive prospect.

Smith has the ability to pinch in when needed and create a ton of offense. The Islanders, who desperately need defense would be smart to nab a player like him.

11. Barrett Hayton (C) | Carolina Hurricanes

Marie Greyhounds, 6’1″, 185 lbs | 63 games, 60 points (21G, 39A)

The Hurricanes land a two-way styled center with the 11th pick in this year’s draft. He has excellent vision which he displayed at the OHL level.

He was used on the penalty kill with the Greyhounds this past year which is an intriguing tidbit for whichever team lands him.

Hayton is viewed to have top-line upside and with 60 points in the league, last year expect him to break out and have an even bigger year this year.

12. Joe Veleno (C) | New York Islanders

Drummondville Voltigeurs, 6’1″, 194 lbs | 64 games, 79 points (22G, 57A)

Joe Veleno is an unselfish playmaker. He see’s the ice well and uses his good vision to make things happen every shift.

Veleno’s a bigger kid and isn’t afraid to finish a check if he has to. But don’t worry Islander fans, he’s not just a bulldozer on skates, he has impressive speed too.

He might not light the lamp a ton, but he is defensively responsible and can help make others around him better. A perfect candidate for the third line center role.