NY Islanders Mock Draft Projections: Koehn Ziemmer

It's that time of the year when we flock to mock drafts across the internet to see who the NY Islanders may be targeting come draft night. The last four years have been more complicated than most, as the Isles have been without a first-round pick since 2019 when they selected Simon Holmstrom 23rd overall. This year, the organization won't make its first appearance on stage in Nashville until pick No. 49.

In The Athletic's two-round mock draft, Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler have the Isles selecting Koehn Ziemmer, a winger with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL.

Coming in at No. 25 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings for the 2023 NHL Draft, Ziemmer is a big-bodied forward who had a breakout season in the WHL. Totaling 89 points (41 goals, 48 assists) in 68 games, Ziemmer finished second in scoring with Prince George and ninth overall in the WHL.

Ziemmer has an above-average shot and is considered a goal-scorer rather than a playmaker. Playing on a line all season with Riley Heidt (No. 21 by Central Scouting for North American skaters), there's a worry that Ziemmer was a product of Heidt's playmaking ability rather than someone who can create opportunities of their own. While Ziemmer benefited from playing alongside Heidt, it still takes a remarkable talent to rack up 41 goals in the CHL's top junior league this season.

While Ziemmer's production this season is well worth first-round consideration, his skating is what may potentially drop him into the second round. At 6'0" and 200 lbs, he's a clunky skater lacking both speed and agility.

His numbers and style of play are eerily similar to Michael Dal Colle during his draft year with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL in 2013-14. While Dal Colle was the fifth overall pick in 2014, Ziemmer wouldn't be nearly as much of a risk if selected in the second round.