2023 NHL Mock Draft: Breaking down five possible NY Islanders picks

5th Round (145)

Nikita Susuyev, RW, Spartak Jr. (Russia-Jr.)

Without a first-round pick, the Isles could excel in the later rounds with some patience, beginning with Nikita Susuyev. With Russian players likely to fall further than they ought to, Susuyev is talented enough to hear his name called in the top three rounds, but in this instance falls to the Isles in the fifth. Registering 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in the Russian junior league, Susuyev's game remains a work in progress. At 6'0", Susuyev is a high-end skater, capable of controlling the pace of place when the puck is on his tape. Still a work in progress, Susuyev has the potential to become one of the better players in this draft who are selected in the later rounds.

6th Round (177)

Kristian Kostadinski, D, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)

A defenseman with some serious size, Kristian Kostadinski is an imposing presence along the blue line. Willing to engage physically at any given moment, Kostadinski is capable of knocking even the strong players off the puck using his 6'5", 214 lbs frame. A formidable penalty killer, his defensive prowess is well ahead of his offensive game. This season in the Swedish J20, Kostadinski finished with just two goals and eight assists in 43 games.

7th Round (209)

Nikita Ishimnikov, D, Yekaterinburg (Russia-Jr.)

Another defenseman with some size to his name, Nikita Ishminikov, prefers a more offensive style of play. At 6'3", he skates well for his size looking to snap off shots from the blue line without hesitation. Ishminikov scored 11 goals while adding seven helpers this season in the MHL, needing to work on his puck-moving ability before taking his game to the next level. Though he's shown some offensive prowess, he's still an extremely raw talent and will need plenty of seasoning.