NY Islanders Prospect Report: Week of 1/2-1/8

It was a mess of a week for the AHL affiliate of the NY Islanders, as the team is in a complete tailspin. The Bridgeport Islanders dropped all three games last week, bringing their losing streak to eight straight and nine of their last ten (1-6-3).

In a potent Atlantic Division, the B-Isles have dropped into fifth place, only five points from the bottom.

As the team continues to falter, Aatu Räty, Simon Hölmstrom, and Parker Wotherspoon remain with the NHL club.

At the junior ranks, the Isles' prospects continue to find success. In Finland, Eetu Liukas, possibly the future of the fourth line, has been flourishing offensively.

Let's take a look at the week that was for the Islanders top prospects.

Matthew Maggio, Windsor Spitfires, OHL (5th Round, 2022)

Matthew Maggio's 14-game point streak ended on Sunday when he was held off the score sheet in the Windsor Spitfires' 6-3 victory over the Flint Firebirds.

Maggio's 23 points (15 goals, eight assists) during the streak have catapulted him among the league leaders in the OHL. His 28 goals are currently second-best in the league, while his 51 points are good enough for fourth.

Last week, Maggio added two goals and an assist to his totals as Windsor pushes for post-season play. They are currently second in the OHL's Western Conference with 50 points - three back of the London Knights.

Last night, in a blockbuster deal in the OHL, the Spitfires acquired the captain for Team Canada in the World Junior Classic and the fourth overall pick in last year's NHL draft, Shane Wright - who will likely center Maggio on the top line.

Daylan Kuefler, Kamloops Blazers, WHL (6th Round, 2022)

With four more points last week (three goals, one assist), Daylan Kuefler has been on a roll of late, adding 17 points in the Kamloops Blazers' previous ten games.

With long-time teammate Logan Stankoven returning to Kamloops after World Juniors duty, Kuefler will now be joined by gold medalist and Anaheim Ducks second-round pick Olen Zellweger. The Blazers acquired Zellweger and forward Ryan Hofer in exchange for four players, and ten draft picks before the WHL trade deadline.

With the extra firepower in the lineup, it would not be a shock to see a rapid rise in Kuefler's production.

William Dufour, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL (5th Round, 2020)

Though there haven't been many bright spots in Bridgeport of late, William Dufour is becoming more and more comfortable at the professional level. Dufour is on a six-game point streak (two goals, four assists) as he has picked up the slack with many of Bridgeport's top players out.

We all know how impressive Dufour's shot is, but what has been a surprise is that he's beginning to churn out assists as well.

Dufour's 22 points (12 goals, ten assists) in 33 games have him on pace to finish near the 50-point mark in his rookie campaign.

Eetu Liukas, HPK, Liiga (5th Round, 2021)

When the Isles drafted Eetu Liukas in 2021, the team saw what could be the future of the organization's checking line. At 6'2" and 200 lbs, Liukas is a load to handle and has never seen a check he wasn't willing to throw.

Aside from the physical aspect of the game, Liukas also brings some skill to his game. Liukas has been seeing top-line minutes with HPK, where he's accumulated 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) nearly two-thirds of the way through the Liiga season.

At 20 years old, Liukas still may be a ways away from reaching the NHL level, but it is possible we could see him make his North American debut in the next couple of seasons.

Other Notables

Ruslan Iskhakov, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL (Round 2, 2018)
8 goals, 17 assists

Samuel Bolduc, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL (Round 2, 2019)
6 goals, 17 assists

Quinn Finley, Madison Capitols, USHL (Round 3, 2022)
10 goals, 17 assists

Alex Jefferies, Merrimack College, NCAA (Round 4, 2020)
7 goals, 18 assists

Isaiah George, London Knights, OHL (4th Round, 2022)
4 goals, 8 assists