Islanders Select Simon Holmstrom With 23rd Pick In NHL Draft

Simon Holmstrom
Photo credit USA TODAY Images

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The newest member of the New York Islanders has a knack for scoring goals.

New York selected Simon Holmstrom with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Holmstrom is a talented Swedish winger who utilizes his speed to find ways to score in bunches. 

With the 23rd pick of the 2019 #NHLDraft the #Isles select forward Simon Holmstrom. pic.twitter.com/ayeh1am8mV

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) June 22, 2019

Holmstrom is just 18-years-old, and he won't be 19 until May. He only played one game at the senior level for HV71, the Swedish team he previously played for. He's five-foot-eleven but will need to add more size to get up to speed with the physicality of the NHL.

The Islanders had to wait a while to make their pick, but that doesn't mean there isn't still value at the end of the first round. Although, it will certainly take Holmstrom a couple years to be really ready to break into New York's team. He's more of a long-term project than someone who can step in quickly and make an impact.

"What our scouts are saying is he's got a really good release, lots of quickness, real good hockey IQ," Islanders coach Barry Trotz told NBCSN. "So hopefully he'll be a good match ... when you're watching him and (Mathew) Barzal walking together. Hopefully they'll play together someday."

New York will be hoping that Holmstrom can boost the team eventually, even if not this year. The Islanders are coming off an impressive season ended in a second-round elimination at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes. Trotz's team finished second in the Metropolitan Division and looked primed for a deep run after an opening round sweep against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Islanders look towards the 2019/20 season trying to keep the momentum they had in 2018/19 that cemented their place as the NYC-area club currently enjoying the most success.