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Ethan Belchetz has the size and skill the NY Islanders need if he makes it to pick No.13

Ethan Belchetz | 2025-26 Highlights | 2026 NHL Draft Prospect
Ethan Belchetz | 2025-26 Highlights | 2026 NHL Draft Prospect | HSD Prospects

Over the past two NHL Drafts, the NY Islanders have done a terrific job at fortifying their prospect pool with skilled players. But one thing they're still missing among the forward corps is size. Last season, the Islanders selected Daniil Prokhorov in the second round, but he projects more as a third-line player, and they could use some beef in the top 6.

Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires could be the ideal player for the Islanders to target with the 13th overall pick. The 6'5", 230 lbs winger scored 34 goals in the OHL this season, with a top-6 or, at worst, a middle-6 projection in the NHL.

Offensively, Belchetz has the shot to beat goaltenders but does most of his damage in close. Using his wide frame, he creates space in front of the crease, cleaning up rebounds or deflecting shots from the point, something he may do better than any other player in this draft.

Belchetz uses his size to his advantage, looking to punish the puck carrier, but doesn't do it enough. Committed to Michigan State in the NCAA next season, it's a skill he'll learn to use more often, as he'll be playing against bigger, stronger competition.

While not much of a play driver, Belchetz relies on his teammates to create, while he's more of a finisher. He'll flash some skill with the puck, but he tends to defer to teammates while he sets up in goal-scoring position.

With his size, there's a good chance that Belchetz doesn't make it to the Islanders at No. 13, but he's the type of player this organization could use desperately.

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