Are there any prospects pushing for a job with the New York Islanders?

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With the 2024-25 season approaching and rookie camp just completed, are there any players in the New York Islanders system that could step up and get some minutes with the big club? While it might seem unlikely, with the roster intact, you never know how a season could play out. Trades, injuries, and waivers are all possibilities for why a player could garner some NHL time.

Here are three players in the Islanders system who I think could get some NHL action this season.

Liam Foudy

Foudy, a former first-round pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets, signed a two-way deal with the Isles this offseason and is still a young player with one elite asset - speed. At the age of 24, Foudy will be entering his fifth pro season. The Ontario, CAN native has struggled to play a full season in the NHL, having only done so once. If he could get going, he could be a speedy option for the Islanders' new-look bottom six.

Alex Jefferies

Jefferies just finished his collegiate career and only got a taste of pro hockey in the AHL, so you probably think there’s no way he could be ready for the NHL. If you have the offensive touch that Jeffries holds, then he has a shot of being a call-up. The former fourth-round pick has great offensive ability, which transferred from college to the pros. Jeffries put up four goals and seven points in 12 AHL games. If Patrick Roy is looking for offensive scoring, Jeffries could easily be that guy if an injury occurs.

Calle Odelius

Odelius is someone who has a bright future with the organization. When he could debut with the team has been the main question. I could see his debut being with the team this season. The Islanders back end depth is not very strong. Once you get past Dennis Cholowski and Grant Hutton there are plenty of openings. I believe the former second-round pick is up for the job. He played limited action last season overseas due to an injury but has been playing in the SHL since he was 17 and now will get his first looks on American soil. With weak depth on the blue line, I believe there is a chance for Odelius to see NHL time during this upcoming season.

Honorable Mention

William Dufour

You probably want me to say Matthew Maggio or Isaiah George but realistically, I don’t see either being called up this season. I think management will want to see Maggio have another full season in the AHL and improve his all-around game for a chance at replacing one of the veterans for the 25-26 season. For George, they will want him to adjust to playing against men for an entire season and adjust his game for the pros. Odelius has experience against men while George has only played teenagers.

Dufour is in an interesting place. He had a weak year last season and was also injured and never really met the hype that was expected of him last season. His spot on an NHL roster is what makes him unique. He has the offensive ability to be a top-six goal scorer but his speed lacks right now to put him in that role. He has the size to be a bottom-six power forward but his defense lacks to put him in that spot. These decisions are for Patrick Roy to make. If he stays healthy I expect Dufour to get some playing time in the NHL this season.

Overall

The way the blue and orange roster is set up is not favorable for young prospects. The roster is pretty set with who is going to make it right now but things happen. Waivers, injuries, and trades always happen. If any of these changes occur I could see these prospects called up this season.

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Are there any prospects that could push for time with the New York Islanders this season ?