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New York Islanders: Top 25 Under 25 2019-2020 Edition

By Matt O'Leary
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 27: Mitch Vande Sompel poses after being selected 82nd overall by the New York Islanders during the 2015 NHL Draft at BB
SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 27: Mitch Vande Sompel poses after being selected 82nd overall by the New York Islanders during the 2015 NHL Draft at BB /

Number 15: Mitchell Vande Sompel (Defense) | Age: 22

Bridgeport Sound Tigers: 10G, 21A, 31PTS

This is going to be Mitchell Vande Sompel’s third year with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 70 games last season, Vande Sompel scored 31 points for the Sound Tigers from the blue line.
It’s a fine return for Sompel, but the Islanders (and the Sound Tigers) were probably hoping for him to take a step forward.

Going into this season, the former third-round pick in 2015 is in the last year of his entry-level contract with the Islanders. He’s going to have to prove to the organization that he can be an NHL player.

He’s never been a defensive defenseman, Vande Sompel’s game is about turning defense into offense. It’s fair to say he’s got to put up numbers this season with the Sound Tigers if he hopes to make a splash with management.

The 2019-20 season for Mitchell Vande Sompel is about turning heads. With a number of talented defenders in the New York Islanders system, Vande Sompel has to find a way to stand out amongst the crowd.

As a third-year player, Sound Tigers coach Brent Thompson might rely on Vande Sompel, even more, this season. This should be a big year for Vande Sompel. I know I’ll be watching to see if he can take that next step.

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