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Mock Draft 1.0 Who the NY Islanders Should Pick in the First 2 Rounds of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft

By Michael Stahurski |
2019 NHL Draft - Round One
2019 NHL Draft - Round One / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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We're still in the midst of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but for the 26 teams already eliminated, including the NY Islanders, the preparation for the NHL Draft has begun.

Last night was the Draft Lottery drawing, with the San Jose Sharks being awarded the first overall pick and the right to select Macklin Celebrini.

If the Islanders hold onto their pick they'll select at No. 18. The franchise hasn't made a first-round selection since 2019 when they selected Simon Holmstrom at No. 23.

With Celebrini being the odds-on favorite to go first overall, the rest of the first round is wide open. About five prospects could go second overall, and an additional seven could hear their name announced in the top 10.

The Islanders currently have picks in rounds one (18), two (50), four (115), five (147) and six. Their third-round pick was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs last season for Pierre Engvall, and their seventh for Robert Bortuzzo in December.

With mock draft season upon us, we used FC Hockey's mock draft simulator to make the Islanders' picks in rounds one and two. Two simulations were done (indicated as A and B) to determine the picks. Here are the results:

1A. Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna Rockets, WHL

If the name sounds familiar that's because Tij is the son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla. There's a strong possibility Tij is selected in the top 15, but in this instance he drops to the Islanders at No. 18. Part of the WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds last season, Iginla didn't see much ice time and was traded to Kelowna in the off-season. Finishing the season with 84 points (47 G, 37 A), Iginla was second on the team in scoring behind 2023 Washington Capitals draft pick, Andrew Cristall. Iginla is a threat every time he touches the puck. He's not the best skaterin the draft but has enough to get past defenders once he gets going. If that doesn't work he relys on his stick handling skills. His shot is his best asset, capable of beating goaltenders from all over the ice. If he's available at No. 18, the Islanders should waste no time making their way to the podium.

1B. Michael Hage, C, Chicago Steel, USHL

While Iginla might not fall to the Islanders at No. 18, selecting Michael Hage may be reaching just a bit. It's only a reach due to the amount he's played over the last two seasons, not necessarily his play. In his draft-1 season, Hage played only 13 games due to a torn labrum. This year he was back with a vengeance, finishing fourth in the USHL in points with 75 (33 G, 42 A). Standing at 6'1" and 190 lbs, Hage is committed to the University of Michigan next season. His game has a bit of everything, but his best assets are his puck handling and shot. He doesn't have the hardest shot but is capable of picking corners. Hage has a big range that he could be selected in, anywhere from 15-25. He may go earlier than No. 18, but there's a better chance Hage is available here over Iginla.

2A. Terik Parascak, C, Chicago Steel, USHL

If you’re looking for offense then Terik Parascak is your kind of player. Unfortunately, one side of the ice is the most you'll get out of him as he struggles enormously in his own end. Perascak finished the season third in scoring for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL with 105 points (43 G, 62 A) and is an offensive dynamo. His skating isn’t the strongest which could hold him back a bit, but he possesses the skill to fill the back of the net. He could potentially hear his name in the first round, but similar to his teammate Riley Heidt, who was projected as a potential first-round pick but fell to the last pick of the second round, teams may be wary of Perascak’s defensive flaws, causing his to drop into the mid/late second round.

2B. Matvei Shuravin, D, CSKA Moskva, KHL

A shutdown defenseman who played 11 games in the KHL this season, Matvei Shuravin has size at 6'4" and room to improve. He shines in his own end using his size and strength to clear the front of the net and retrieve pucks from the corners. His offensive game is limited and will need improving if he hopes to bring his name to the next level. He's likely a few years away from making the jump to North America, but that time should allow him to round out his game. If he can add an element of offense to his tool kit, he has middle-pairing defenseman written all over him.

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