NY Islanders prospect to attend NHLPA Rookie Showcase

The NY Islanders might not have the highest-rated prospect pool in the league, but one of the organization's youngsters will soon be recognized among the NHL's other potential top rookies. William Dufour has been invited to the National Hockey League Players' Association Rookie Showcase, sponsored by Upper Deck. The showcase will take place on September 5 at the Washington Capitals training facility, MedStar Capitals IcePlex in Arlington, Virginia.

The showcase is designed to bring together the league's top talent ready to enter their rookie season, where they'll go through different stations throughout the day as their rookie trading card photos will be taken. The day is set to end with a scrimmage among the players.

Dufour will be joined by 34 other prospects throughout the league, with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens leading the way, each sending three players.

Joining Dufour are some of the top young names in hockey, including Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, and Logan Cooley.

Dufour made his NHL debut last season on January 18 at home against the Boston Bruins. Going up against the best regular season of all time wasn't an easy first assignment, as the former QMJHL MVP struggled in his first outing, earning only 6:48 of ice time, and was stapled to the bench during the third period.

Heading into 2023-24, it's no guarantee Dufour sees the NHL at all this season. He'll likely be one of the top players from Bridgeport used as an injury call-up, depending on how the injury bug impacts the Isles this season.

Dufour had a strong rookie campaign in the AHL, finishing with 21 goals and 27 assists for 48 points. Heading into his second season as a professional, he'll be turned to for even more production, as Bridgeport departed with their top two point producers from last season, Andy Andreoff and Chris Terry.