For many Islanders prospects, the team’s rookie camp over the last week was an opportunity to showcase their skills, not just in front of the minor league staff, but also in front of Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche, Head Coach Peter DeBoer, and the entire organization.
The camp concluded with Tuesday night’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils in a rookie game at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow and now the rookies and prospects will shift their attention to Islanders Training Camp which gets underway on Thursday.
“It’s going to be lots of fun,” said forward Victor Eklund, one of the Islanders’ three first-round draft picks in 2025. “It’s definitely going to be a good test for me but I think I’m ready and I’m pumped.”
Eklund, the 16th overall pick in last year’s draft, was very impressive on Tuesday night with a goal and an assist. He made his NHL debut in the Islanders’ season finale this past spring and already displays all of the traits that makes him NHL ready.
He is a combination of skill and tenacity.
“He plays with a physicality,” said Jay McKee, the Head Coach of the Hamilton Hammers, the Islanders’ new AHL affiliate.
“He’s a dog on a bone. We all know he’s very skilled. He has a great shot and great playmaking, but he’s very strong on his feet. The style of play that he plays with is contagious. He hunts pucks, he stays on it, and he gets physical with guys. He’s an exciting player for sure.”
Of all of the prospects at rookie camp, Eklund is the most likely to really push for an opening night roster spot. Even with his small taste of pro hockey between Bridgeport and Long Island last season and his impressive showing at rookie camp, Eklund is not taking anything for granted.
“I’ll have to fight for a spot,” said Eklund. “Nothing is given so I’ll do my best. I’ll play by 100 (percent) every day and if it’s enough, it’s enough. It’s up to me.”
In addition to his goal on Tuesday night, Eklund also assisted on Cole Eiserman’s breakaway goal in the second period. Eiserman, a 2024 first-round pick (20th overall), scored two goals including the overtime winner in Sunday’s 5-4 rookie game win over the Devils in New Jersey, is another prospect to watch in training camp.
After making his pro debut with Bridgeport late last season, Eiserman will likely start the season in Hamilton, but he has a chance to open up some eyes at training camp…
…especially since he has made strides in his play when the puck is not on his stick.
“There were some small details in the (defensive) zone that we caught on video last game,” said McKee. “He’s been great. He wants to see these things where he can improve. I did see him make those adjustments right in the game here (Tuesday night) which is great.”
It’s been a long time since the Islanders had a deep prospect pool like they have now and it has the fan base excited.
Over 1,000 fans were in attendance for the rookie game on Tuesday night and there will be sessions during training camp where Islanders Country will be out in full force.
The Islanders of the future have taken notice.
“It’s unbelievable,” said defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, the third of the Islanders’ three first-round picks last season (17th overall).
“The fans are the best in the league. It’s a rookie scrimmage and you have 1,000 fans, it feels pretty packed, and it’s really loud. It’s a lot of fun to play in front of these fans. I’m excited to get going in front of them at UBS (Arena).”
Aitcheson and the Islanders will be back home at UBS Arena next week when they play pre-season home games against the Rangers on September 25th and then the Devils on September 26th to wrap up a four-game exhibition schedule. With the longer regular season, training camp will be condensed as the Islanders get right to their pre-season slate this Sunday when the visit the Devils and then on Monday when they face the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The two rookie games prepared the Islanders prospects for what lies ahead over the next week and a half.
“I’m really excited,” said defenseman Isaiah George who has 37 games of NHL experience and has a strong opportunity to make the Islanders’ opening night roster.
“Even (Tuesday night), you get a taste of us playing games again. I’m super-excited to get going and be in this competitive atmosphere of the season so yeah, I’m ready to go.”
Because of the new format for pre-season, there will be some prospects who won’t get to play in an exhibition game, so the practices are going to be very important for their development before they are assigned to Hamilton or returned to juniors.
If rookie camp was any indication, the fans in Hamilton are going to enjoy their new AHL team.
“I think a lot of guys looked good,” said McKee. “A lot of times, at this time of year, guys look rusty but everyone has come in pretty sharp. The attitudes have been great in the dressing room. It’s been fun getting to know a lot of the guys (who) are new to me.”
The offseason featured a number of steps for the Islanders prospects including development camp and rookie camp. But this week, it all ramps up with Islanders training camp, a chance to get better and give Islanders Country a glimpse of the future.
And maybe in a case of two or three, a sneak peek at this season.
