The NY Islanders can add size and skill down the middle by selecting Ilia Morozov at the 2026 NHL Draft

At the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the NY Islanders added some size to their forward corps within their prospect pool, selecting Daniil Prokhorov in the second round. While smaller players are having an impact across the league, there is still something to be said about having size in the lineup, especially come the postseason.

While the Islanders' prospect pool shouldn't be considered small in stature, they could use some high-end, big-bodied talent, making center Ilia Morozov a prospect to keep an eye on come the 13th pick of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Morozov's game include's size and skill

A freshman at Miami (OH) University, Morozov entered the season as the youngest player in the NCAA until Oscar Hemming joined Boston College. At 6'3" and 205 lbs, Morozov made the jump from the Tri-City of the USHL to the NCAA, seeing his stock rise within the first week of play. He began the season as a 'B' level prospect by NHL Central Scouting, meaning a 2nd-3rd round projection, but quickly rose to an 'A,' projecting first round talent.

Finishing the season with 20 points (8 G, 12 A) in 36 games, Morozov was a weapon for the RedHawks in every situation, playing on the PP, PK, and 3v5.

Morozov is a good skater, but has room to improve. He's recently undergone a growth spurt and is still growing, which may contribute to his clunky style, but there shouldn't be much cause for concern.

He has a good shot, but Morozov does most of his damage in tight, screening goaltenders and cleaning up rebounds. Some of his slickest plays this season have been made in tight, maneuvering the puck to get a shot off. Not only has he used his hands in tight, but he's also made a couple of highlight-reel goals this season, completely deking the goaltender out of his pads.

While some players have the size but don't necessarily use it, Morozov loves to throw the body and engage in the physicality of the game, using it to his advantage in all three zones.

Like Prokhorov, Morozov shouldn't be expected to make an impact in the NHL any time soon. His game is still developing, and he will likely need at least two more seasons of collegiate hockey before turning professional. But the Islanders have depth at center, the way the roster is currently constructed, and can afford to be patient with a player like Morozov.

Other Notable Prospects

Nikita Klepov
Wyatt Cullen

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