Islanders next wave of European prospects are coming over

The next wave of New York Islanders European prospects is coming over and ready to play for the organization, even if that means the AHL for some.

Just recently we heard that Anatoly Golyshev, a New York Islanders fourth-round pick from 2016, is planning on joining the organization in 2021-22. Add that to the assurance that Ilya Sorokin will be here in 2020-21. That’s two Russia based prospects seemingly heading to North America to play for the Islanders.

They’ll join recent Euro-based players 2018 third-round pick Jakub Skared and 2019 first-round pick Simon Holmstrom who both left Europe to start the 2019-20 season in North America.

And now Robin Salo, a second-round pick from 2017 is ready to head to North America next season too.

Prospect Influx

Speaking with Yle Sporten, Salo indicated that while the Isles get to decide what his next step is, he’s ready to play in North America, even if that means playing in the AHL instead of the NHL.

Salo says he is ready to play in the AHL if the Islanders believe it is best for his development. He has also received some tips from Otto Koivula, who belongs to the Islanders’ organization and made twelve NHL matches this season.– I want to go there and get the chance to play in the world’s best league. I’ve talked to Otto about AHL and how other things work there. I try to gather a lot of information so that I am ready for the opportunity, Salo concludes.

What’s clear here is that European-based prospects within the organization have a desire to play for this franchise and see a path to the NHL. Players can see the success the franchise is having and want to get in on the fun.

Just a few years ago it seemed that both Sorokin and Golyshev were either dismissive of the Islanders or were lukewarm to the prospect of joining the Isles.

Now they want in.

Next Wave

Between 2008 and 2013 the Islanders selected eight players out of Europe. The 2009 draft had the most Euro-based picks with three: Mikko Koskinen, Anders Nilsson, and Anton Klementyev.

Most rarely featured for either the Isles or the Sound Tigers. All of them are no longer on either team.

Bringing in Sorokin, Golyshev, and Salo adds to the contingent of European-based players drafted from 2014 or later now in North America under the umbrella of the New York Islanders.

*Coming to N.A. soon
**Playing in the NCAA
+Playing for the Sound Tigers

The next wave of European based players are here for the New York Islanders, and they’re ready to make an impact in North America. Over the next few years, we’ll get to see if they can do that.