The NY Islanders continue to get bigger, drafting Tomas Poletin with pick No. 106

Since Patrick Roy was named Head Coach of the NY Islanders in January 2024, one thing he has made a point of emphasizing was physicality and being aggressive on the forecheck. Well, Mathieu Darche seems to share the same sentiment with the selections of Victor Eklund, Daniil Prokhorov, and now Tomas Poletin.

A 6'1" winger weighing over 200 lbs, Poletin began the season with Pelicans of the Finnish U20 league, totalling 20 points (13 G, 7 A) in 25 games, before being promoted to the senior team. He failed to register a point in 15 games in Liiga, playing limited minutes.

The Isles select Tomas Poletin 102nd overall

Projected as a fourth-line player in the NHL, Poletin isn't a highly skilled player but plays within his abilities. Known more for his defensive prowess, the big Czech is willing to put his body in front of oncoming pucks and tends to clog up passing lanes to break up goal-scoring opportunities.

Most of Poletin's offense is created off the forecheck, dislodging the puck off the defenseman's stick, creating opportunities for himself or teammates.

Captaining Czechia at the U18 World's this season, Poletin has, for one reason or another, played better representing his country rather than with his club team.

Poletin is a player if and when he joins the Islanders, can become a favorite of Roy, as he's someone who can be trusted in almost any situation, especially late in games while defending a lead.

It's not the flashy pick with players like LJ Mooney still on the board, but Darche appears to have something he's trying to build. After rebuilding the prospect pool with highly skilled players, it's now time to look for players who can handle the dirty work.