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New York Islanders Bellows and Toews Could Make 2018-19 Team

By Christopher Lizza

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 24: Kieffer Bellows poses for a portrait after being selected 19th overall by the New York Islanders in round one during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 24: Kieffer Bellows poses for a portrait after being selected 19th overall by the New York Islanders in round one during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes/Getty Images) /
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All the New York Islanders fans need to keep an eye out for a couple of youngsters come training camp. Those youngsters are Devon Toews and Kieffer Bellows. Both could make the opening night roster.

The New York Islanders by all independent accounts had an incredible 2018 Draft. Keep in mind though, the Isles already had a couple of talented kids in the pipeline. Both have a really good chance to make an impact in the NHL next season.

Toews

Devon Toews is an exciting blueline prospect. The fourth-round pick of the 2014 NHL Draft has a lot of exciting attributes.

At 6’1, 191 lbs, Toews is a two-way defenseman and that has to give Barry Trotz a big smile. His season was cut short last year due to injury. However, before that Toews posted 22 points in 30 games. The biggest asset Toews has, however, is his unbelievable skating ability.

Toews was on the cusp of being called up to the Isles last year but then he suffered his season-ending injury. Healthy now he will compete with

Scott Mayfield

and

Sebastian Aho

for the final blue-line spot on the roster, come opening night.

Bellows

Even though the Isles will have a crowded forward field come training camp if Kieffer Bellows shows he is NHL-ready he will be in the lineup come opening night.

Bellows (6’1, 200lbs) was the 19th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft. Bellows is a goal scorer (has a great shot) and plays with a bit of an edge as well.

Kieffer had a big season last year for the Portland Winter Hawks in the WHL, as well as with Team USA at last years World Junior Championships. Bellows led the WJC tournament with nine goals.

Bellows comes from good genes too, as his dad is Brian Bellows, who was one heck of a hockey player (scored 485 goals in the NHL). Having the ear of a former NHL player such as his dad can only have helped Bellows in his development as well as moving forward.

Next: Wahlstrom has Impressive Comparables

It’s not a question of if but when in terms of Bellows and Toews making their NHL debuts next season. They both could start the year in Bridgeport, but their NHL futures are right around the corner. But there is no doubt both of their futures are extremely bright.

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