Islanders: 3 prospects with best chance of making team from camp

Robin Salo

Why they could make the team…

Robin Salo had a big year playing in the SHL last season. In 51 games with Orebro, the Finnish defenseman put up 30 points. That effectively equates him to a 27 point player in the NHL (when using translation factors).

Just like Aho, Salo is an offense-first type of player who sees the game well and whose skating is even better. He fits the mold for the type of player the Islanders are looking to fill the gap on the second pair.

Unlike Aho, Salo isn’t “under-sized” at 6’0″ and 181lbs and he’s got the benefit of being a better defensive player. The system and structure in Orebro closely resemble that of the New York Islanders. Defense first.

If there’s anyone in the Isles system that can fill the Nick Leddy void, at least stylistically, it’s Robin Salo.

Why they won’t make the team…

He’s yet to play pro hockey in North America. Salo has spent the entirety of his career playing in Finland and Sweden. Which honestly shouldn’t be a knock. It means he’s been playing against men for years now, unlike similarly aged players from North America.

But his lack of playing on a smaller surface and the stop-and-go North American game will likely be the biggest anchor to him making the NHL club straight out of camp.

Because of that he’s likely to start the year playing with the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.