The anticipation is building on Long Island as the New York Islanders prepare to make the first overall pick in the NHL Draft this Friday, marking a significant moment in franchise history as this will be their fourth time holding the top selection. The focus is primarily on this first overall pick, along with the potential to trade back into the first round to target promising talents like Matthew Schaefer and James Hagens. However, teams often find tremendous success by uncovering hidden gems later in the draft.
This year, the Islanders possess all seven of their draft picks, giving them flexibility and opportunities to select some of the draft’s most talented players, possibly in the second round.
One intriguing prospect the Islanders might consider is Ivan Ryabkin. Initially facing challenges in Russia, where he scored only once and provided 12 assists across 15 MHL games this season, Ryabkin began his career as a top-10 prospect. He previously had a standout performance as a 16-year-old, amassing 58 points (24 goals and 34 assists) in 44 games.
In January, Ryabkin relocated to the United States to join the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, where he revitalized his season with an impressive 19 goals and 11 assists in just 27 games. Known for his playmaking abilities, Ryabkin excels in threading passes and shows prowess during power plays. He’s also known for his aggressive defensive style, although this has sometimes led to penalties due to his eagerness.
Nevertheless, Ryabkin has one notable hurdle: his skating speed. Slight struggles maintaining pace through the neutral zone could pose a challenge as he transitions to the NHL and needs to keep up with the faster game.
The Islanders have a history of taking risks on highly regarded prospects who have fallen in drafts, such as Josh Ho-Sang and Aatu Raty. While those picks have not yet yielded the desired results, the team may be inclined to take another chance on Ryabkin, particularly if they believe that he can successfully adapt to the demands of the NHL.
The Islanders’ upcoming draft decisions could shape the future of the franchise, and there’s hope that they can capitalize on the opportunities available, potentially leading to a more successful roster in the seasons to come.