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NY Islanders early season prospect report

By Michael Stahurski |
2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Portraits
2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Portraits / Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages
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The NY Islanders got a good look at most of their prospects during rookie training camp, but some of those playing in Europe and the NCAA were not present, as they remained with their current teams in preparation for the new season.

Two of the Isles' higher draft picks in the last two seasons, Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley, recently kicked off their collegiate careers, with both getting off to great starts. With both playing in the Big 10 (Nelson with Notre Dame and Finley with Wisconsin), we'll get the opportunity to see the two face off head-to-head four times this season.

Quinn Finley, LW, Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)

Over the weekend, Finley made his Wisconsin debut, playing on the left wing of the Badgers third line in their back-to-back games with Augustana University. Finley recorded two goals in his first game on Saturday, cleaning up a rebound and finishing with a slick back-handed, top-shelf goal for his first.

His second came from the left circle, as Finley's left-handed shot beat the goaltender just above his pad for his second of the night in a 4-0 victory. The following night, he produced his first career assist, giving him three points through two games.

Islanders' sixth-round pick this past season, Zachary Schulz, was dressed for the Badgers as the team's seventh defenseman but has yet to see the ice.

Danny Nelson, C, Notre Dame (NCAA)

Perhaps the Islanders' top prospect, Danny Nelson, began his NCAA career on the top line for the Fighting Irish. Nelson and the Irish were blanked in their first game of the season at home against Clarkson University. The following night, the Irish got their revenge, and Nelson recorded the first goal of his career.

After a turnover near the blue line, Nelson crashed towards the net, finding space to knock the puck in off his backhand to give Notre Dame a two-goal cushion. In the two games, Nelson wasn't shy with the puck, recording 11 shots on goal.

Nelson played center behind Will Smith (San Jose Sharks) and Oliver Moore (Chicago Blackhawks) in his time with the USNTDP, but away from the spotlight of those two, he'll have the opportunity to shine as one of his team's go-to players.

Justin Gill, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

Justin Gill might be with a new team this season, but he's picking up right where he left off. After being traded to the Bai-Comeau Drakkar in the off-season, Gill has already recorded six points in four games, with points in each.

Gill, 20, is one of the older players in the league but has continued to impress after his 93-point performance last season..

Other Notables

Isaiah George, London Knights (OHL) - 5 games, 0 goals, 1 assist
Jesse Nurmi, LW, KooKoo (Liiga) - 11 games, 0 goals, 1 assist
Matias Rajaniemi, D, SaiPa (Liiga) - 8 games, 0 goals, 1 assist
Tomas Machu, D, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) - 5 games, 0 goals, 2 assists
Alexander Ljungkrantz, LW, Almtuna (HockeyAllsvenskan) - 5 games, 4 goals, 0 assists

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