Islanders: Three prospects with eyes on NHL spots

Robin Salo

Why he deserves a look
He's the best defensive prospect in the Islanders pool. And it's not particularly close. The 23-year-old had a good first year in North America between the NHL Islanders and the AHL ones.

His ability to headman the puck out of the D-zone and into the O-zone is unmatched in the prospect pool. Only Noah Dobson is at his level when it comes to puck movement in the entire organization. Salo brings a much-needed skill to the Islanders squad that is desperately needed in 2022-23.

His game isn't perfect but rarely is a 23-year-old a complete player.

Why he might not get it
The only reason he doesn't get into the squad to start the year is an epically bad training camp. Like he forgets how to skate, bad. That's how sure I am Salo makes the islanders squad next year.

Honorable Mention

Otto Koivula: The 2016 fourth-round pick had a good year at the AHL level, but it seems like when he makes the jump to the NHL he just doesn't stand out. Perhaps new head coach Lane Lambert sees something in Koivula's game that Barry Trotz didn't see. Perhaps the opportunity that Koivula needed to get up to the NHL was a change behind the bench.