Islanders select Quinn Finley in the third round, 78th overall

Adding to their forward crop, the New York Islanders selected Quinn Finley 78th overall at the 2022 NHL Draft. Finley joins Aatu Räty, William Dufour, and Simon Holmstrom in a crop of Islander forwards in the prospect pipeline. Finley is fully committed to the University of Wisconsin since October 2021.

Finley had a solid year playing for the Madison Capitols of the USHL last season scoring 12 goals and 29 points in 39 games played, however, it was seen as a bit of a down year after being the first overall selection of the USHL phase 1 draft. The left-winger will continue to develop at the NCAA level. Corey Pronman of The Athletic projected Finley inside his top-100 prospects in the 2022 NHL draft at 80th overall:

"Finley is an interesting prospect as he possesses legit speed and skill that could translate to higher levels and is one of the younger prospects in this class. Off the rush he shows he can be a threat and can beat defenders with speed. His offensive ability doesn’t wow you, but he can make plays and projects to score versus better players. Given he’s not amazing off the puck either, it’s hard to see where he fits on an NHL roster. The talent gives him a chance though."

- Corey Pronman

Finley is another player that the Islanders drafted in the mid-rounds that has the potential to "play in NHL games." Finley spoke to his strengths after being selected showing confidence in his ability to eventually make an impact at the NHL level:

"I think my high IQ, playmaking ability. I think just creating scoring opportunities for myself and my teammates."

- Quinn Finley

The Islanders have shown a high level of priority in elite skating having now selected Odelius and Finley in consecutive picks.