New York Islanders Top-10 players under 24
By Ed Stein
Last year the New York Islanders surprised the hockey world by finishing with NHL’s fifth-best record. They have a strong pipeline of talent to continue their run to the Stanley Cup. This the Isles top-10 players under 24 years old.
The New York Islanders have some very talented players coming up through their system. A few have even arrived on the scene and made an impact. Every player on the Top-10, under 24 list either is now or has the ability to become a solid NHL player. There aren’t any gaping positional holes to fill as there are quality talents across the board.
There is a good mix of offense, two-way hockey, smarts, and goaltending on this list. It helps that the team has some of the NHL’s marquee prospects. Three members of the New York Islanders organization made the Athletic top-50 Prospects, while The Sporting News had two on their list. They have the talent to continue their quest for the Stanley Cup.
Honorable Mention
Michael Dal Colle (23), Left Wing, 2014 1st round, 5th overall – Is it time to give up on Michael Dal Colle yet? It sure feels like it. Dal Colle has been a professional for three seasons and can’t seem to make any headway with the New York Islanders. He’s played 32 NHL games and scored seven points. At least he’s improved at the AHL level. Time is running for someone who was once so promising.
Otto Koivula (21), 2016 4th round, 120th overall – Koivula played two seasons as a pro with Ilves of the Finnish League scoring57 points in 103 games. The hulking 6-5, 220 pound power forward brought his talents to North America, spending last season with Bridgeport. He transitioned fairly well scoring 46 points for the Sound Tigers. He projects to a bottom-six forward with the Islanders.