Islanders: Four Islanders Prospects Looking to Crack the NHL Lineup in 2022-23

The Bridgeport Islanders had one of their best seasons since the 2018-19 season, a good start to their rebranded future. The Jr. Islanders went 31-30-7 (.507 points percentage), good enough for sixth place in the AHL's Atlantic Division. They squeaked themselves into the Calder Cup Playoffs taking on the Providence Bruins in the first round. A two-game sweep of the Bruins sent the Jr. Islanders to the second round to play the Charlotte Checkers, however, the sixth-seeded Isles couldn't overcome the first-seeded Checkers losing the series 3-1.

It's an encouraging sign to see the success the Jr. Islanders had this season given the Isles' prospect pipeline is widely regarded as being a poor one. Now looking forward to training camp, there will be a few New York Islanders prospects that will look to impress new head coach Lane Lambert and try to crack the opening night roster.

Robin Salo

Robin Salo made his NHL debut this season and is the most anticipated prospect to solidify himself on the Islanders roster, especially given that the Islanders' blue line needs to get younger. In 21 games at the varsity level, Salo potted his first NHL goal and added four assists. He showed signs of being a quality puck-moving defenseman at the NHL level but also showed he needed some more seasoning in his North American game.

Salo was reassigned to Bridgeport after the Islanders returned to health following a Covid outbreak. In 40 games at the AHL level, Salo tallied 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 40 games. His 0.50 points per game led all Jr. Islanders defensemen this season.

Back in March, Zdeno Chara went to the injured reserve and instead of Salo getting a recall, Parker Wotherspoon received the promotion. When asked, Barry Trotz clarified the reasoning for Wotherspoon jumping Salo in the depth chart:

He hasn't played as well as he's needed to play. He should be an impact and the best defenseman. He hasn't been.

Salo turned things around, however, ending the AHL season with seven points (one goal, six assists) in his last eight games. In six games in the Calder Cup Playoffs, Salo tallied two points leading Jr. Islander defenseman in the category.

Salo is the closest to NHL ready of any Jr. Islander. Heading into his age-24 season, a strong offseason and training camp could solidify him on the NHL roster for 2022-23.

Aatu Räty

Aatu Räty has clearly become the Islanders' No.1 prospect and has outplayed his draft status as a second-round pick, 52nd overall at the 2021 NHL Draft. Overseas playing in the Liiga, after six games in the regular season Oulun Kärpät sent Räty to Mikkelin Jukurit in a trade that worked out better than most had anticipated. In 41 games with Jukurit, Räty tallied 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists). He had just one point in six games with Kärpät

Jukurit made their way to the playoffs but were shortly eliminated after seven games. Räty's playoff performance can be best described as a learning experience, tallying just two assists and 34 PIMs. After elimination, Räty made his way to North America to play for the Bridgeport Islanders. He played in the Jr. Islanders' final two regular-season games before heading into his second playoff atmosphere in a matter of weeks. It was a much better playoff performance for Räty in the AHL playoffs as opposed to his Liiga showing. In six games, Räty tallied four points (one goal, three assists). Räty proved to be a difference-maker for Bridgeport, scoring an overtime goal and clinching Bridgeport's first playoff win since 2003.

A brief, yet impressive showcasing for Räty drew high praise from Bridgeport's head coach, Brent Thompson:

I think just the ability to make that adjustment as quick as he did, the sky’s the limit for this kid.

Räty impressed even former head coach Barry Trotz in his first NHL training camp which is saying a lot for a coach who depends heavily on his veterans. Heading into his second training camp, he will fight to claim a spot on the varsity Islanders roster, attempting to overcome the odds of a pretty crowded group of forwards.

Quite mature. Has lots of game. Reminds me of a Zach Parise-type player, has a real good motor. What a great pick by our scouts.

Simon Holmström

Simon Holmström's first two pro seasons in North America were both abbreviated and underwhelming. Coming into his third pro season, Holmström solidified himself as one of Bridgeport's top forwards, showcasing his skills as a playmaker and showing his potential as a future NHLer.

In 68 games, Holmström accrued 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists), ranking him Bridgeport's third-highest point collector. Chris Terry skated alongside Holmström tallying his fourth career 30-goal campaign and had words of praise on how Holmström helped elevate his game:

His skating ability, poise with the puck, you saw tonight on two of the goals we scored how strong he is. He’s taking pucks off veteran players in this league and making plays. From start to finish this year, he’s an elite player in this league and be hard not to see him in the NHL next year.

The Islanders' 2019 first-round pick began to prove this season why GM Lou Lamoriello took him 23rd overall, despite some believing it was a bit of a reach. Patience with Holmström appears it could be paying off. Much like Räty, Holström will attempt to overcome the odds of a crowded forward group at the varsity level with a strong showing in training camp.