NY Islanders GM says young defenseman likes violence in the best hockey way possible

Kashawn Aitcheson gave Mathieu Darche a pretty good reminder during rookie camp of why the Islanders were so excited to draft him.

"He likes violence on the ice," Darche said before quickly reconsidering his choice of words. "I shouldn't say violence, but he likes to be physical, right?"

Whatever you call it, that part of Aitcheson's game isn't difficult to notice.

The Islanders selected the defenseman in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, and after another outstanding junior season, Aitcheson is now beginning his first professional season with considerably more expected of him.

Darche saw some of that progress firsthand last year, including watching Aitcheson during the OHL Finals. "He had an outstanding season," Darche said. "We're very high on him as a prospect, but let's see how he plays."

That's the important part.

Aitcheson may be one of the Islanders' better prospects, but Darche doesn't appear interested in turning training camp into some artificial deadline for him to reach the NHL.

"If he forces us, good," Darche said. "And if not, there's nothing wrong also with playing in the AHL."

Aitcheson's physicality already looks NHL-ready at times. Darche said the defenseman played well during the rookie games and showed the dimension that makes him different.

"He's not afraid to mix it up, let's just say," Darche said.

But defending junior players and defending NHL forwards are entirely different assignments. That's what the Islanders need to determine next. And if that means Aitcheson starts his professional career in Hamilton, Darche doesn't see it as a setback.

"You never get to the NHL too late, but you can get there too early," he said. That's probably the best way to view where Aitcheson stands. The Islanders aren't closing the NHL door. If he forces his way through it during camp, they'll gladly make room

But they also don't need him to. For one of their top young defensemen, this season is less about where Aitcheson starts and much more about making sure he's ready when he finally arrives.

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