Looking at options for New York Islanders' additional 1st-round picks

The New York Islanders landed two additional first-round picks in Friday’s trade with the Montreal Canadiens.

While the speculation is that the Islanders will use the picks to move up and select hometown prospect James Hagens, there’s also a chance the Isles simply hold on to the picks.

So, here’s a look at the options the Islanders may consider if they hold on to the No. 16 and 17 picks.

Options for New York Islanders’ 1st round picks from Canadiens

First round, pick 16

The Athletic listed Carter Bear of the Everett Silvertips of the WHL as the choice here. Of course, that selection was made with the Canadiens in mind.

Bear is an 18-year-old left winger listed at 6’0” and 179 pounds. The Athletic underscored how Bear suffered an Achilles injury during last season. Still, that didn’t stop Bear from scoring 40 goals and 82 points in 56 games this past season.

He would be a solid fit for the Isles as they look to rebuild their prospect pipeline with high-end scorers.

Tankathon, in its mock draft, listed blue liner Logan Hensler from the University of Wisconsin as the choice here. Hensler is an 18-year-old listed at 6’2” and 196 pounds. His size and the fact that he’s a right-shot D-man could entice the Isles to pick him, if he’s available.

With the Islanders likely picking Matthew Schaefer at number one, it’s tough to see the Isles picking another right-shot blue liner. But then again, who says you can’t have too many defensemen?

First round, pick 17

The Athletic listed Montreal taking Lynden Lakovic with the #17 pick. At 6’4” and 190 pounds, Lakovic has power forward written all over him. If available at this slot, he could be a great choice for the New York Islanders.

The Isles could use a big forward to play in the club’s middle six. He scored 27 goals and 58 points in 42 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors this past season. It’s a tantalizing thought to see a big, speedy winger bearing down on opposing defenders while a strong playmaking center like Bo Horvat dishes him the puck.

Tanktahon listed Justin Carbonneau as the choice for the #17 pick. Carbonneau played for the Blaineville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL. The 18-year-old right winger scored 46 goals and 89 points in 62 games.

The numbers sound impressive, but QMJHL stats should be taken with a grain of salt. At 6’1” and 192 pounds, Carbonneau plays like a power forward, though there’s much more to him than that.

If his skills translate to the NHL, he could be a solid top-six winger with potential for a top-line role. He would be a fantastic addition to the Islanders’ prospect pipeline.

On a final note, the Islanders could really use a center. That’s why Cole Reschny, the #18 pick listed by The Athletic, could be a solid option for the Islanders. The Isles’ current prospect pipeline features Calum Ritchie. But beyond Ritchie, the cupboard is somewhat bare.

Reschny is pledged to the University of North Dakota, following a season in which he scored 26 goals and 92 points in 62 games for the Victoria Royals. Isles fans should keep an eye on this name if the club chooses to hold on to one of its newly-acquired picks.