NY Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson earns early-season OHL honors

With the NHL season underway tonight, the OHL is already in full force, and NY Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson is off to a flying start with the Barrie Colts, as the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft was named the OHL's player of the week for 9/29-10/5.

Over three games last week, Aitcheson tallied five goals and one assist, leading the Colts to a 2-0-1 record. The imposing defenseman now stands with five goals and three assists through six games.

Aitcheson named OHL player of the week

Not only has Aitcheson stood out among OHL defensemen, leading all blue-liners in goals, but he's also been one of the league's top performers overall, tied for fifth in goals among all skaters.

Known for his bone-crushing hits, Aitcheson has continued to shine, exhibiting skill on both ends of the ice. The Colts' Co-Captain has found the back of the net with ease, demonstrating both his slap shot and wrist shot to beat netminders.

Not only is he scoring, but Aitcheson is proving his worth in ways not typical of a defenseman. On his first tally of the season against the Soo Greyhounds, Aitcheson took a faceoff with Barrie on the man-advantage, winning the draw back to his blue line before being set up for a one-timer.

Finishing with 59 points (26 G, 33 A) last season, Aitcheson could be well on his way to eclipsing last year's totals.

Aitcheson suffered a lower-body injury in his first pre-season game with the Islanders, but the effects of the knock don't appear to be hindering him whatsoever.

If he continues to play at this level, Aitcheson could very well be in the mix to represent Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championships.