NY Islanders' Kashawn Aitcheson named OHL Defenseman of the Month

His 2026 World Junior Championship may not have been what he had hoped, but NY Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson has been nothing short of magnificent this season from the Barrie Colts of the OHL.

After winning a Bronze Medal at the WJC, Aitcheson returned to Barrie to be named the OHL Defenseman of the Month for January.

Over the course of 11 games, Aitcheson recorded three goals and 11 assists, adding to his league-leading 22 goals among all defensemen.

Aitcheson rewarded for his spectacular month

Aitcheson, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, finished his draft year with 26 goals in 64 games, now trailing last year's total by just four goals in 24 fewer games. 

On pace for a 33-goal season, Aitcheson has an opportunity to make OHL history. In the 46-year history of the league, only 22 times has a defenseman reached the 30-goal mark. If Aitcheson can hit his 33-goal projection, it would put him tied for 12th on the all-time list.

Aside from his offensive prowess, Aitcheson is one of the most feared defenders in all of the CHL. His bone-crushing hits draw comparisons to Alexander Romanov, who has made quite the reputation for himself since entering the league in 2020.

The Islanders won’t push Aitcheson’s development before making the jump to the NHL, as the left-side of the blue line is pretty solidified for the next three seasons with Matthew Scahefer, Adam Pelech, and Romanov. With the new rules between the CHL and NCAA, perhaps we could see Aitcheson making the jump to the collegiate ranks before playing professionally. But Aitcheson is a player the organization has high aspirations for land should become a massive part of the future.