NY Islanders Prospect Report: Week of 11/14-11/20

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

Iskhakov was not the only player to find himself in a suit and not on the ice last week. Fellow rookie William Dufour was also scratched from the lineup in favor of Soshnikov.

Dufour did not participate in the B-Isles 4-1 defeat to the Charlotte Checkers in a surprise move.

Head Coach Brent Thompson said he was looking for more of a 200 ft. game from Dufour - a message to the 20-year-old rookie.

The message was received by Dufour, as the former Memorial Cup champion provided a goal and an assist both on the powerplay in his first game back in action. Dufour gathered the puck on the left wall and showed off the shot that produced 56 goals last season. Dufour beat the goaltender clean on the far side to nod the game up at one.

Sunday, Dufour added his second of the week, coming directly off a center ice face-off. As Providence won the draw, Dufour swooped in and poked the puck from the defender putting him in all alone with the goalie. Again, He showed off that quick release leaving the goaltender with no hope.

Dufour is tied for the team lead in goals this season with six.

Simon Hölmstrom, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL (1st Round, 2019)

As the NY Islanders have an open roster spot, Simon Hölmstrom is looked at as one of the front runners to occupy the hole. The most experienced forward of the four prospects, Hölmstrom seems to be the most likely candidate, but his play is looking otherwise.

Hölmstrom was held scoreless in each of Bridgeport's three games last week. Even though he isn't finding the back of the net, Hölmstrom's shot totals have been among the best for Bridgeport. He totaled three, six, and three shots, respectively, last week.

We will have to see if Hölmstrom gets a crack with the big club, but Lou Lamoriello has to be hesitant to give his former first-round kick an opportunity at this point. 

Aatu Räty, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL (2nd Round, 2021)

Aatu Räty is continuing his solid start to his AHL career, finding ways to contribute night in and night out. In Sunday's matinee against Providence, Räty scored the overtime winner for the B-Isles in their 3-2 victory.

Following a save by Jakub Skarek, Räty was sprung on a breakaway from mid-ice. In all alone, he put a smooth backhand to forehand move on the goalie, faking him out of his pads.

Räty could also be a candidate to make the jump to the NHL with the Isles' open roster spot. The move, however, would likely require moving either Mat Barzal or Brock Nelson to the wing, which is unlikely after both of their hot starts to the season.

Räty now has seven points (three goals, four assists) on the season.