NY Islanders prospect Quinn Finley leads the nation in goals

Much of the hype within the NY Islanders prospect pool surrounds 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman and deservedly so. But the Islanders also have the NCAA's leading scorer Quinn Finley among their ranks.

Finley, a third-round pick in 2022, is in his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin, leading the nation in scoring with 11 goals in 15 games. Along with his 11 tallies, Finley has nine assists, second-most for the Badgers.

Finely leads the NCAA in goals

Last night, Finley and Badgers took on the top-ranked Michigan State Spartans, with Finley playing an instrumental part in the 4-0 upset victory. With a one-goal advantage with just 15 minutes remaining in the third period, Finley doubled the lead for Wisconsin for his 10th tally of the season. After going up three later in the third, Finley recorded his 11th goal, finishing off the night with an empty net goal.

When the Islanders selected Finley in the third round, it was looked at as a bit of a reach as Finley was still considered such a raw prospect. But at this point, it's beginning to look like it was well worth the gamble for Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders as he's developing into the goal scorer they envisioned. He has already passed his goal and assist totals (10 G, 6 A) from last year and is on pace to be more than a point-per-game player.

Finley was selected as part of Team USA last year at the World Junior Championship, scoring a goal and an assist on the path to a Gold Medal. Through much of that tournament, he played on a line with fellow Islanders prospect Danny Nelson.

Finley may need more time to develop in the NCAA, but he's on the path to becoming part of the Islanders roster shortly.