Recapping day one of NY Islanders development camp

The NY Islanders kicked off development camp today, making it the first time we’ve seen the newly drafted players and NCAA players on the ice in Islanders colors.

With Mathieu Darche in attendance and Johnny Boychuck, Dennis Seidenberg, and Rocky Thompson on the ice, here are three takeaways from the first day of Islanders development camp.

Cole Eiserman’s shot stands out

Despite falling to No. 20 in the 2024 NHL Draft, nobody has questioned Cole Eiserman’s shot. The most natural draft-eligible goal scorer last year, Eiserman’s shot looks and sounds different from his peers.

This is Eiserman’s first camp with the Islanders as he’s been playing collegiately at Boston University, and is excited to have stepped on the ice wearing the blue and orange for the first time.

“Just having the logo and treated like an NHLer, having the gear on,” Eiserman said after camp. “You know, you’re not allowed to wear this stuff around BU and stuff like that, so to wear it and be normal is pretty weird - it’s cool though.”

Cal Ritchie will likely be an NHLer this year

Some kids just stand out within the group and that’s what Cal Ritchie has already done.

According to Stefan Rosner of The Hockey News, Ritchie stands out in a similar way to Max Tsyplakov did last year. Albeit Tsyplakov was five years older than Ritchie, Ritchie already has that aura about him and should be able to step into a full-time NHL role after playing seven games with the Colorado Avalanche last season.

“I feel like I play a smart game,” Ritchie said. “I play the right way. I think I make creative plays offensively and can take care of defensively as well. I compete hard, and I just want to win every single night.”

Matthew Schaefer is already endearing himself to Islanders fans

Some players have the ability to connect with the fans right off the bat, but most aren’t 17 years old.

As the first overall pick, everybody associated with the Islanders is excited to see what this kid can do on the ice, but it’s what he does off the ice that can have the most lasting impression on the fan base.

Once finished on the ice, Schaefer signed autographs for the fans in attendance and talked to them about food recommendations.

“They’re super nice, they’re welcoming,” Schaefer said of the fans. “I asked them some spots to eat. They said bagels and pizza were really good. I think it’s egg and cheese bagels, am I right? Bacon, egg, and cheese, that’s what it was. So I guess I’m going to have a couple of those here and there.”