NY Islanders add tough two-way talent with D Kashawn Aitcheson at No. 17

The New York Islanders doubled down on building a formidable blue line Friday night, selecting defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Aitcheson, a 6-foot-1, 198-pound blueliner from the OHL’s Barrie Colts, quickly climbed draft boards this season thanks to his rare combination of physicality and offensive touch. He racked up 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points in 64 games, finishing among the top-scoring defensemen in the league. He also broke a Barrie franchise record for goals by a defenseman, cementing himself as one of the top two-way threats in the draft.

But it’s not just the points that got the Islanders' attention. Aitcheson plays with a physical edge—he's tough in the corners, throws punishing hits, and isn’t afraid to stand up for teammates. Yet, his penalty minutes dropped significantly from the previous season, showing improved discipline and awareness. "He's one of my favorite players in this draft class," Dan Marr, the vice president of NHL Central Scouting, said about Aitchenson. "We moved him up to make a statement on our final list. This guy could end up being a trophy winner down the road."

Described by scouts as a "Swiss Army knife" on the blue line, Aitcheson is capable of logging heavy minutes, killing penalties, sparking breakouts, and contributing on the power play. His shot is both heavy and accurate, and his ability to find shooting lanes from the point adds another layer to his game. There are still areas to refine—particularly his lateral movement and decision-making under pressure—but his high ceiling and gritty, team-first mentality make him a great fit for the Islanders’ style of play.

"This is a guy that you want to have on your team," Marr added. "I think he's a consummate team player. He has got the game, the punch skills, the hockey sense and just the intuition. Because he knows when it's time to up his physical game, he knows when the game's on the line and you need a goal or you're protecting a lead, how to make those plays or generate those chances."

With top pick Mathew Schaefer already in the fold, Aitcheson adds depth, versatility, and a competitive edge to a defensive group undergoing a major transition. This pick further signals that the Isles are committed to reshaping their identity from the blue line out