NY Islanders jump 16 spots in Prospect Rankings after transformational 2025 draft

For years, the New York Islanders were criticized for having one of the weakest prospect pools in the league. That narrative has shifted dramatically this summer. In Corey Pronman’s 2025 prospect pipeline rankings for The Athletic, the Islanders vaulted from 25th last year to No. 9 overall, one of the steepest climbs of any NHL franchise.

The surge is headlined by Matthew Schaefer, the first-overall pick in June’s NHL Draft, who Pronman places in the NHL All-Star tier. Schaefer’s blend of skating, skill, and compete level makes him the centerpiece of the Islanders’ rebuild-from-within strategy. “He’s a powerful, effortless skater… a great talent who has already overcome tremendous personal adversity,” Pronman wrote, projecting Schaefer as a future No. 1 defenseman.

But Schaefer isn’t alone in reshaping the Isles’ pipeline. Fellow 2025 first-rounder Victor Eklund lands in Pronman’s “top of the lineup player” tier, praised for his dynamic skating and fearless play despite his smaller frame. Alongside him is rugged blueliner Kashawn Aitcheson, another 2025 first-rounder who plays with edge and bite, and was described as “a menace to play against.”

Meanwhile, 2023 first-rounder Calum Ritchie, acquired in the Brock Nelson trade, provides depth down the middle with top-six upside if he finds consistency. Add in Danny Nelson, who impressed at the World Juniors, and Cole Eiserman, one of college hockey’s best pure shooters, and suddenly the Islanders’ forward pipeline is loaded with high-upside talent.

Between the pipes, Pronman highlights Marcus Gidlöf and Burke Hood, both intriguing goalie prospects with NHL potential, giving New York depth behind Ilya Sorokin.

The Islanders’ system is no longer just about hope—it’s about real, tangible assets that project into impact NHL roles. Pronman’s evaluation underscores how quickly fortunes can shift with the right draft picks and savvy deals. For new GM Mathieu Darche, it’s a validation of his early tenure. The Isles now boast a top-10 prospect pool, positioning themselves not just for immediate improvement, but for sustained long-term success.

From 25th to 9th in just one year, the Islanders’ pipeline finally looks like a strength—and the next wave of talent is on its way to Long Island.