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We could see 4 NY Islanders prospects at the 2027 World Junior Championship

ByMichael Stahurski|
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Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Malte Gustafsson reacts beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and New York Islanders player Matthew Schaefer after being selected with the thirteenth pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Islanders at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Malte Gustafsson reacts beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and New York Islanders player Matthew Schaefer after being selected with the thirteenth pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Islanders at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For the first time in what seems like forever, the NY Islanders prospect pool is getting stronger. The addition of Malte Gustafsson gives the organization some building blocks for the future within an already improved pool.

The 2027 World Junior Championship will be held in Red Deer and Edmonton, AB, this holiday season. In a recent article by The Athletic predicting rosters, there's a good possibility we will see four Islanders prospects participating for nations that have a strong chance to take home the Gold Medal

USA

The Islanders' seventh-round pick in 2025, Jacob Kvasnicka, had a breakout season with the Penticton Vees of the WHL. The forward was one of the last players cut from the 2026 team and played in the World Juniors Summer Showcase last month. Kvasnicka will make the jump to the NCAA this season, playing for the University of Minnesota, and with a strong start to his collegiate career, he could get the call to wear the red, white, and blue.

Sweden

Though the Islanders are loaded on the left side of the blue line when it comes to their prospect pool, they selected the top player on their board at No. 13 in the 2026 NHL Draft, taking Gustafsson. The towering defenseman is playing in the SHL this season with HV71. Looking to defend their Gold Medal from 2026, Gustafsson is as close to a lock for the Swedish roster.

Czechia

Making the transition to North America after playing in Finland, Tomas Poletin jumped onto the scene early, coming out of the gates firing. Though his production slowed down, he still finished with 20 goals in his rookie season. Playing with teh Czechs in last year's tournament, Poletin scored four goals, adding two assists en route to a silver medal. He'll look to take his nation a step further this year while playing a more crucial role.

Vladimir Dravecky was the one prospect we didn't see at development camp, as visa issues kept him from participating. With a year of North American experience under his belt, Dravecky could be called into the team to provide another element of offense from the blue line.

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