The 3 most important draft picks in NY Islanders history

1. Bryan Trottier

The centerpiece of the Islanders dynasty.

Bryan Trottier exemplified what it meant to be a New York Islander throughout his Hall-of-Fame career. Trottier was drafted in the second round at 22nd overall in the 1974 NHL Entry Draft. In his rookie season, Trottier played in 80 games, picking up 32 goals, and 63 assists, tallying 95 points in the process. This was incredible for a rookie, and even set the record for points, at the time, in a rookie season with 95. He would take home the Calder Memorial Trophy with ease.

Here’s a wild sequence from Bryan Trottier’s 6 point 2nd period on 12/23/78 at the Nassau Coliseum.

A young @StanFischler was in the broadcast booth as an analyst #Isles pic.twitter.com/qrzy01bSpQ
— 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐱 (@IslesFix) March 18, 2021

Trottier's best offensive season came in 1978-79, where he finished with 134 points from 47 goals and 87 assists in just 76 games played. This would earn him the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy. He became the first player from a post-original six expansion team to win the Art Ross Trophy, as well.

Trottier won four Stanley Cups with the Islanders and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1980. Trottier would often be referred to as the glue to the Islanders, centering a line with Clark Gillies and Mike Bossy that was known as "The Trio Grande." Trottier left Long Island with exactly 500 goals and remains franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,123), assists (853), points (1,353)