The New York Islanders rookie camp provides glimpse into promising prospects

The New York Islanders held their rookie camp this past weekend. The camp run by Bridgeport Islanders coach Rick Kowalsky gave the big club a good look at how the prospect pipeline is doing.

Unfortunately, the Isles’ prospect pool is hardly deep. Perhaps that situation motivated the Islanders to forego participating in any of the various rookie tournaments held over the weekend. The Isles and the Washington Capitals were the only two teams out of the league’s 32 that did not take part in any rookie tournaments.

That being said, the camp allowed New York Islanders coach Patrick Roy a chance to assess the talent most likely headed to the AHL.

Overall, the camp simulated what prospects would face upon joining the Islanders. As Kowalsky said to the media:

“We want to try and play as close so that when guys do get called up, or for that matter sent down, there’s not a lot of structural difference.”

In other words, Kowalsky strived to maintain a seamless transition between AHL and NHL playing styles. That situation bodes well for young players as they learn the ropes of the NHL, allowing them to develop into legitimate, full-time NHLers.

Four standouts at the New York Islanders rookie camp

Here’s where things get interesting. There were several standouts at rookie camp. Let’s take a closer look.

Maxim Tsyplakov

Tsyplakov has been the Isles’ wildcard this offseason. With little known about him, the rookie camp offers the Islanders their first look at what he can do. Overall, he hit the ground running, basically guaranteeing himself a spot on the opening night roster.

It remains to be seen where Roy places Tsyplakov following a full training camp.

Aidan Fulp

Seeing Fulp succeed is a huge boost for the Islanders. Following this rookie camp, Fulp could push Samuel Bolduc for the seventh defenseman spot. As The Hockey News noted:

“Fulp was the only right-handed defenseman at rookie camp, and it's possible that he could be a call-up option if an NHL RHD gets hurt.”

The Hockey News also pointed out that Fulp was “ultra-confident in his decision-making.” Those comments could signal that Fulp may be ready for NHL action.

Matt Maggio

Maggio played well but didn’t move the needle quite enough to force himself into the lineup. He should get an invite to the main camp, but may not be fully ready for an opportunity at the NHL level just yet.

After working with Adam Oates this summer, Maggio has shown significant improvement. If Maggio has a standout season in Bridgeport, he may get a look with the big club at some point this season.

Henrik Tikkanen

Tikkanen has to be the most encouraging player of all. Given the Isles’ potential goalie issues this upcoming season, having a solid goaltending prospect in the system is a huge boost.

On the whole, the towering 6’9” Tikkanen moved around the crease with exceptional agility. He showed strong rebound control and maintained solid positioning.

While the AHL would likely be Tikkanen’s landing spot this upcoming season, the fact is that Tikkanen could enter the conversation if one of Marcus Hogberg or Keith Kinkaid struggles backing up Semyon Varlamov.

(Of course, we’re assuming Ilya Sorokin could be out indefinitely.)