Here are eight reasons why the New York Islanders have an extremely bright future and could be a threat to the New York Rangers in the future.
1. New Islanders GM Mathieu Darche is making all the right moves. From The Draft to Free Agency (Exhibit A: The signing of top Russian Free Agent, Maxim Shabanov.)
2. Darche has a plan. He developed it in Tampa Bay under GM, Julien BriseBois, one of the best to manage the salary cap. Trust the process.
3. For the first time in a while, the Isles have a good problem. Depth overload.
4. Take a gander at these prospects; Matthew Schaefer, Calum Ritchie, Cole Eiserman, Victor Eklund, and Kashawn Aitcheson. The Isles top five prospects are night and day better than a year ago. Cole Eiserman is the only remaining name from last offseason's top five.
5. With the selections of Schaefer and Aitcheson, along with the contract extension of Alexander Romanov, the Islanders defense has a nice blend of skill and physicality.
6. The hope is that Ilya Sorokin could find another gear. With an improved defense, he could be a Vezina Trophy candidate.
7. They have another TWO first round draft picks next year, in what is widely considered a stacked 2026 class.
8. Trade capital: The Isles have a pick in every round for the next three drafts; except for a 2026 second round pick. That could give them trade leverage.
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