Tomas Poletin is a NY Islanders prospect worth keeping a close eye on

If you’re the kind of New York Islanders fan who keeps one eye on the future, here’s a name you should be circling in pen: Tomas Poletin.

There’s a long way between Prague and Kelowna, but the Isles’ 2025 fourth-round pick (106th overall) has made himself right at home in the Western Hockey League — and he’s lighting it up.

Through 35 games with the Kelowna Rockets, Poletin has piled up 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists), with his 19 tallies ranking among the top rookie totals in the league. Not bad for an 18-year-old adjusting to a new continent, smaller ice, heavier travel and a whole different brand of hockey.

“It was a great start to the season,” Poletin said via NewYorkIslanders.com. “I feel like the style of hockey really suits my play, so I'm really happy I came over and I’m just trying to do my best every night.” That style? Fast. Physical. Direct. Exactly the kind of game that translates well to the NHL.

Poletin was the first overall pick in the CHL Import Draft after developing in Finland, including time in Liiga — Finland’s top pro league. But he says the Canadian game fits him better.

“Here in Canada, it's a smaller rink, so there’s many more battles. You can basically shoot from everywhere,” he said. “All the fights, there’s a show around the game… that’s something I like.”

Islanders fans should love that mindset.

He’s already proven he doesn’t shy away from big moments. At the World Juniors, Poletin scored twice against Team Canada and later netted the game-winner in the semifinals after Isles goalie David Rittich texted him simple advice: shoot more.

“Then I texted him after, oh yeah, see I shot the puck more I guess,” Poletin said with a laugh.

Confidence. Production. Big-stage performance.

The Islanders pipeline might not get national headlines yet — but Tomas Poletin is quietly building something worth watching.