NY Islanders place 5 prospects in Top 100 rankings signaling bright future ahead

For years, the New York Islanders were routinely ranked near the bottom of league-wide prospect pool evaluations. Under former GM Lou Lamoriello, the Isles often traded picks and prospects for win-now players, leaving the pipeline dry and fans wondering where the next wave of talent would come from. That's what happens when you make no 1st round picks in four years.

That narrative has now flipped in a big way. and the days of scrolling to the bottom of prospect rankings in hopes of finding one Islander are over.

In the latest Scott Wheeler Top 100 NHL Prospect Rankings, the Islanders made a thunderous statement—placing five players on the list, more than perennial prospect factories like Carolina or Boston. Most notably, defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, claims the top spot. The 17-year-old dazzled at development camp and has franchise cornerstone potential with his blend of elite skating, poise, and maturity.

Right behind Schaefer is another 2025 pick, Victor Eklund, coming in at No. 21. The tenacious Swedish forward is drawing early comparisons to Jesper Bratt with his high motor and skill. Calum Ritchie, acquired in the Brock Nelson trade, slotted in at No. 31 and provides immediate center depth with a responsible two-way game. Just one spot later, Cole Eiserman, the lethal sniper taken 20th overall in 2024, comes in at No. 32, bringing much-needed goal-scoring upside. Kashawn Aitcheson, the physical, big-hitting defenseman with a scoring touch, rounds it out at No. 34.

This newfound depth marks a massive shift under GM Mathieu Darche, who has injected life and upside into the Islanders’ pipeline seemingly overnight following his three first-rounders at last month's draft following the trade of Noah Dobson to Montreal. With high-end skill, size, and versatility across the group, this isn’t just window dressing—these are future NHL contributors.

Schaefer is considered a Tier 1 prospect, while Eklund, Ritchie and Eiserman are Tier 3. Aitchenson was the highest rated Tier 4 prospect. Not on the list, but considered NHL caliber talents are Danny Nelson and Isaiah George, and some other recent draft picks.

For the first time in over a decade, the Islanders aren’t just clinging to hope; they’re building a future. The farm is no longer barren. The reinforcements are real, and they’re coming.