The NY Islanders select missile on skates in Daniil Prokhorov with pick No. 42

After a lights-out first round, the NY Islanders have selected Daniil Prokhorov with the 42nd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

A massive forward at 6’6” out of MHK DynamoSt. Petersburg in the Russian MHL, the Islanders have made a conscious decision to get bigger in stronger with this pick in addition to their first-round selection in Kashawn Aitcheson.

The Isles select Daniil Prokhorov

A bit of a project, Prokhorov is as physical as they come, with Elite Prospects calling him a “missile on skates.”

Projected as a bottom-six forward in the NHL, Prokhorov is capable of changing the momentum of a game. He delivers bone-crushing hits, seeking out contact at every opportunity.

With the way the game changes during the playoffs, teams are searching out players who can withstand the physicality of postseason play, and Prokhorov is just that type of player. 

Offensively, Prokhorov is, of course, best around the net. Whether it be screening goaltenders or creating space in front of the crease, handling the big Russian’s physicality is a nightmare for opposing defensemen.

As mentioned, Prokhorov is a project. His hockey sense isn’t where it needs to be, often making mistakes with the puck, whether that be Ill-timed shots from poor angles or forcing a play when it’s not there. 

Playing in the Russian junior league, Prokhorov finished this season with 27 points (20 G, 7 A), finishing second on the team in goals.

The Islanders are missing that physical presence in that organization, especially after the retirements of Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin. Though it’ll be a few seasons until we see Prokhorov in North America, he could become a physical force for years to come.