This Islanders prospect is showing flashes in his first full season in North America

When the New York Islanders drafted Jesse Pulkkinen with the 54th overall pick of the 2024 draft, many were intrigued about what he could become. He is a big body defenseman, with a 6'6" frame and weighing in at 220 pounds. He has used this size to his advantage, delivering big hits and being an aggressive forechecker. He is also very mobile for his size, which he uses to get involved in the offense. He put this on display during his time in Finland.

With so many upsides, fans and analysts were excited to see what Pulkkinen could do in his first full season in North America. Halfway through the season, he has seen mixed results. He has flashed some of the skills that many scouts were excited about. He has also had growing pains and struggled to adjust to the North American game. But how has this affected his development, and when could he make his NHL debut?

Jesse Pulkkinen has shown flashes but still has a way to go

Pulkkinen has split time between the AHL and ECHL this season. In 17 games with the Bridgeport Islanders, he recorded two assists. But in 13 games with the Worcester Railers, he has tallied five goals and six assists for 11 points. Sure, there is a drop-off in skill level between the ECHL and the AHL, but it's encouraging that Pulkkinen is performing well. It shows that his style of play can translate to the North American game.

While some may be concerned that Pulkkinen was called up to the AHL and sent back down to the ECHL, it's not as big a deal as it seems. Sure, with some prospects, it is concerning if they are sent back down to the ECHL, but Pulkkinen is a special circumstance. He has always been seen as a very raw prospect. He did not become a legit draft prospect until late in his career. Because of this, he is going to need more time than a regular prospect.

Playing in the ECHL allows him to go up against easier competition. He does not have to play some of the best prospects and former NHL players while adjusting to the pro game. This will allow him a better opportunity to work out the problems in his game while continuing to produce and put up numbers. This will help him improve without risking his confidence with low point totals, as he would have in the AHL.

It would be best for Pulkkinen to spend the rest of the season with the Railers. Maybe call him back up to the AHL during the final few games of the season just to see where he is at. From there, he should spend the offseason developing and training in order to be a main piece of the Islanders' AHL roster next season. At best, we can expect Pulkkinen to be making a chase for an NHL roster spot towards the end of next season or the beginning of 2027-28.

Although it will be a while before we see Pulkkinen in the NHL, it's good to know his development is showing promise. It should give Islanders fans hope that the organization's future is bright.