NY Islanders late round 2025 draft pick is a prospect worth keeping an eye on

Jacob Kvasnicka’s path to the New York Islanders is one that combines surprise, excitement, and undeniable potential. Drafted in the seventh round (202nd overall) at the 2025 NHL Draft, Kvasnicka’s selection came with a slight twist.

"I was on my couch with my family and one of my best friends called me and said, ‘You got drafted to New York!’ and I didn’t even see it on my screen yet," Kvasnicka recalls. "But that’s how I found out, it was hugs all around with my family." It’s a story that’s become a memorable moment in his early career, as the 17-year-old learned he’d be joining one of the NHL’s most passionate fanbases.

Standing at 5'11" and weighing 170 pounds, Kvasnicka is a skilled winger who turned heads during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP). In the 2024-25 season, he posted 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 66 games, finishing as one of the team’s top scorers. His international success also included helping Team USA earn a bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, where he notched five points (3G, 2A) in seven games.

Reflecting on his strong performance, Kvasnicka says, “It was good, I was comfortable and confident last season. I was playing with pace and our season was great. We didn’t get the result we wanted at the U18 Worlds, but we were happy with how we played throughout the whole season.”

At Islanders Development Camp, he reunited with several NTDP teammates, including 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman and second-rounder Kamil Bednarik, as well as 2025 draft classmate Sam Laurila. But his closest connection is with Sammy Nelson, the younger brother of 2023 Islanders second-round pick Danny Nelson.

Looking to the future, Kvasnicka is committed to playing NCAA hockey for the University of Minnesota in the 2026-27 season. Before that, however, he’ll spend the upcoming year with the WHL’s Penticton Vees, an expansion team in the Canadian Hockey League, where he plans to continue developing his game. For Islanders fans, Jacob Kvasnicka is one to watch. With his strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and promising skillset, Kvasnicka’s journey is just getting started.