The Islanders have various prospects, many of which are ready to make a large impact at the NHL level. Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson have already been promoted, but there are two forwards that are flying under the radar at the minor league level. These two players will not make an impact this season and that is okay, because they have the skills to be effective middle-six forwards for the Islanders in the future. Who are they?

Ruslan Ishakov:

Ishakov was one of the Islanders two second-round picks along with Bode Wilde in 2018. While playing in the NCAA last, he had 21 points in 32 games, suffering an injury that cut his campaign short. Ishakov is young, and at 19 years old, he has the potential to be a top-nine player for the Islanders.
“His puck skills are fantastic,” said Corey Pronman of The Athletic. “He can maneuver with the puck as well as most players in his age group. His brain is also high end, if not elite. He sees plays developing so well and can outsmart defenders with his hands and vision.”
If he has a good season with the Huskies, I would expect to see him in Bridgeport next season.
Expected Islanders Debut: 2022-23
The only reason I say that it takes Ishakov a few extra years to make the team is that there are so many forwards in the organization with more experience. But if Ishakov displays more talent, there is a great chance he jumps over his teammates and grabs a spot.

Arnaud Durandeau:

Durandeau is a wild card. After posting career highs with Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL, he had 73 points in 68 games last season. He was awarded by the Islanders brass with a contract for the Sound Tigers this season after a strong junior career. Durandeau is entering his first pro season after spending four years with the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL, scoring 85 goals and 196 points in 262 regular-season games, and 17-20-37 in 38 playoff games.
This is a huge year for Durandeau. If he can turn heads like Otto Koivua did last season, then the Islanders will have a great problem to have: too many good prospects for the team.
Expected Islanders Debut: 2021-22
Durandeau is such a dynamic skater that he can make his mark after just a few years in Bridgeport. With a contract signed, he can be a talent for the Islanders in the future.

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