NY Islanders prospects: 3 International players having great seasons

2. Justin Gill

It's rare for a player of this stature to become draft-eligible at such an advanced age. Selected in the 5th round of the 2023 draft, centerman Justin Gill has done nothing but produce great offensive numbers his entire amateur career. He is described as a forward who can advance the puck through the neutral zone and has great anticipation for teammates rushing toward the net. Gill has been credited for creating turnovers and intercepting plays, making him an ideal defensive-minded forward. However, Gill's ability to create open space and force odd-man rushes may move him to the left-wing position as a professional.

Gill has spent his entire amateur career playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. During his teenage years, he played for the Charlottetown Islanders before moving to the Sherbrooke Phoenix. In his first full season for the Phoenix in 2021-22, Gill scored 20 goals and 26 assists through 68 games. Though these statistics are fantastic, all of his scoring totals doubled the following season with 44 goals and 49 assists including 12 points in 14 playoff games.

Gill has since moved on to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, where he has 29 goals and 41 assists through 47 games this season. The only alarming statistic for Gill is his 44 penalty infraction minutes. Otherwise, the 21-year-old is ready for his AHL debut if he were to sign his entry-level contract before training camp 2024. With the Islanders' decision to move on from Aatu Raty as their top centerman in Bridgeport last season, the tandem of Ruslan Ishakov and Gill will be something to watch as the pre-season unfolds.