NY Islanders rookies invited to the NHLPA Summer Showcase, photographed for their first Upper Deck trading card

Every summer, Upper Deck gathers players around the league with some of the brightest futures for the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. Held in Washington DC in recent years, the event was moved to Chicago this summer at Blackhawks Ice Center, the practice facility of the Chicago Blackhawks.

With some of the top prospects attending the event, such as 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna and Porter Martone of the Philadelphia Flyers, NY Islanders prospects Kashawn Aitcheson and Cole Eiserman were invited to partake in the festivities.

Aitcheson, drafted 17th overall in 2025, and Eiserman, selected 20th overall in 2024, will likely begin the 2026-27 season with the Hamilton Hammers, in what will be the team's first season in existence. With both players having their eyes set on making their NHL debut, there’s a strong possibility both get that opportunity at some point during the upcoming season.

The NHLPA Rookie Showcase is an opportunity for these prospects to enjoy being a kid while seeing what their first Upper Deck trading cards will look like.

Last summer, Matthew Schaefer and Marc Gatcomb represented the Islanders at the event, with the two recreating an iconic image from the comedy Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.

Aside from the fun and games, these prospects had an opportunity to hear from Stanley Cup winner and former Islander, Kyle Okposo.

“At the end of the day, they’re young. They don’t really know what’s coming at them, most of them,” said Okposo. “I was the same way, so I’m trying to use that perspective that I had, and playing for 17 years, now being out of the game also, and understanding more of how this side of the game works.”

With rookie camp only a few weeks out, Aitcheson and Eiserman will have their first opportunity to leave their mark on their coaches before the full group takes the ice.

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