After missing the playoffs this season, the New York Islanders found themselves back in the draft lottery in back-to-back years. Unlike last season, the Islanders could only move up 10 spots to pick either three or four. With the low odds, the Islanders stayed put and will be selecting 13th overall in the NHL Draft.
Despite a strong prospect pool, the Islanders still have some needs to address. At 13, the Islanders should look to add either a goal-scoring forward or a right-shot defenseman. A few players who fit that mold are projected to go within this range and would be great picks for the Islanders.
Ryan Lin – RHD
Ryan Lin is a prospect who is ranked all around the first round on draft boards. Scouting boards have him ranked from as high as nine to as low as 26. Despite the wide variety in rankings, Lin would be a great pick if available at 13.
The right-shot defensemen out of the WHL had a strong year with the Vancouver Giants, scoring 15 goals and 43 assists for 57 points in 53 games. He also played for Team Canada at the U18 World Junior Championship, scoring six points in five games.
Lin is a smaller defenseman at 5’11” but possesses a strong offensive game. His puck-moving capabilities and his hockey IQ, mixed with his skating speed and agility, make him a promising prospect with high upside.
Despite being a strong offensive defenseman, his two-way game makes him effective in the defensive zone as well. Even with his upsides, Lin has some areas to improve in his game. There are times when Lil struggles to make offensive zone reads, occasionally turning the puck over in big situations. On top of that, his size reduces his physicality, which he will need to build on.
Lin is committed to the University of Denver, where he will play under coach David Carle, who will help his game develop in a big way. His game likely projects into a top-four defenseman who can quarterback a power play. With the need for RHD and the upside he has, if Lin is available at 13, the Islanders should look into drafting him.
Adam Novotny – LW/RW
When looking at forwards, Adam Novotny has a lot of compelling traits, especially for what the Islanders need. Playing for the Peterborough Petes in the OHL, Novotny scored 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games. He has a good size at 6’1″ and 205 pounds, and uses his body well.
Novotny has a high motor and works hard both with and without the puck. This IQ is high in both the offensive and defensive zones, making him responsible all around the ice. Along with his size, his strongest trait is his shot, which is already considered NHL-level. The shot selection is strong as he can use all his shots effectively.
Even with Novotny heavily relying on his hard wrist and snap shot, he also has a good one-timer, making him a scoring threat from anywhere. Despite all the traits, his playmaking could use some work, as he is sometimes too shot-first. Along with the playmaking, his skating is strong, but he could use more speed to be effective.
When looking at his goal scoring, size, and motor, Adam Novotny translates as an effective complementary piece on a team’s top-six. His shot also makes him a good piece on an organization’s power-play unit, and his defensive instincts can provide some use on the penalty kill.
Novotny will likely hear his name called anywhere within the middle of the first round on draft day. If he is on the board at 13, New York would get great value by drafting him at this spot. When he makes the NHL, he could be a good finisher for the Islanders.
Daxon Rudolph – RHD
Daxon Rudolph is another right-shot defenseman with high upside available in this year’s draft. Although typically ranked within the top ten, Rudolph brings real value if he does slide to the Islanders’ pick. Despite being within the 8-10 range, there is a chance he could be there at 13.
Rudolph has good size and strength at 6’2″ and 203 pounds. For his size, he is also a great skater and has a highly dynamic game. With the Prince Albert Raiders in the WHL this season, he had 28 goals and 50 assists for 70 points in 68 games. Rudolph has a great shot from the point, helping him get shots to the net to set up offense.
He is smart and has good instincts with and without the puck. He plays a patient game, which can help him generate good looks with the puck. Although this is a strength, at times he is too patient, hesitating on reads, and at times not showing high effort. On top of that, despite the size and strength, he needs to use it more to have some physicality to round out his game.
With all the traits Rudolph possesses, it is likely he translates into a top-four defenseman with good two-way capabilities. If his decision-making takes a jump, as he develops, he can quarterback a power play for a team, while also impacting the penalty kill with his instincts.
Post-Draft Outlook
With one of the three players likely available at 13, all of these players would be great value picks. The dynamic puck-moving and speed of Ryan Lin would slot perfectly on the right side for the Islanders. The two-way game and skating ability Rudolph has would make him another great fit on the right side.
Either of these two would be a great fit next to last year’s number one pick, Matthew Schaefer, for years to come. On the offensive side, adding Novotny would bring an energy guy to the top six, who can play on both special teams and provide scoring for an Islanders team that needs it.
The First Round of the NHL Draft takes place on June 26th. On draft day, the New York Islanders could look to add one of these players to their prospect pool. Any of the three would add immediate help to the team’s needs.
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