Could Ruslan Iskhakov be back with the New York Islanders?

The New York Islanders are entering an offseason that will contain change, so how could the hiring of Mathieu Darche affect Ruslan Iskhakov’s future? 

Iskhakov was a second-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He has a small frame, standing at 5’7 152 pounds, but has loads of offensive upside. Could he return to the Island after a season in the KHL? 

This past season, Iskhakov scored 29 points in 60 games. He started off hot but cooled off after the first few games. When he played in the Islanders organization, he showed that he had the potential to be a future NHL talent.

In his two seasons in the AHL, Iskhakov had 51 points in 69 games in his first season and 50 points in 69 games in his second season. The two-time AHL All-Star earned a call-up last season and played in the final regular-season game. In 14:11, he earned an assist on the power play. 

He also saw action in the playoffs, playing in one game, but only 5:58 of playing time. He didn’t register anything on the scoresheet, but the fact that he was out there in a playoff game makes me believe Patrick Roy had some faith in him. 

Now with Lou Lamoriello out and Darche in, could we see Iskhakov back with the blue and orange? Right now, I’d say no. He signed a two-year contract in the KHL and will most likely try to come back when that contract ends.  

I could see Iskhakov being a third-line scoring forward who can be a big power-play contributor. This is something that the blue and orange are in desperate need of, and Iskhakov could be the answer. 

The Islanders retain his rights until he’s 27. With a new GM and the team changing its direction and trying to get younger I think he could get another chance with the blue and orange.