With the NHL regular season officially over, the New York Islanders have finished thirteenth-to-last in the league. This means the Islanders will most likely be drafting 13th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. There is, however, a possibility of winning the lottery. The Islanders moving from the 13th pick all the way to first would be impossible, but there would be about a 2.6% chance the Islanders get the third overall pick, and about a 1.7% chance the Islanders get the fourth overall pick, under the revised draft lottery rules. There is also about a 5.1% chance a team behind the Islanders move up, and the Islanders fall back a spot to 14th overall. The most likely scenario is that the Islanders receive the 13th overall pick, with a 90.7% chance of staying put. With this information, here are a few draft targets the Islanders could pursue in the first round.

Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW

Jonathan Lekkerimäki is a Swedish forward with elite goal scoring ability and high upside. One of my favorite targets for the Islanders, Lekkerimäki unfortunately may go a few picks too early. Lekkerimäki has always been a great prospect but this year he leaped toward the top of the draft board. He impressed with 20 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 26 games in Sweden’s U20 league. He also appeared in 26 games for Djugardens IF of Sweden’s top league, where he scored nine points, seven of which were goals. His ability to put the puck in the net, his ability to play both center and wing, and his effectiveness on the power-play makes him a super appealing fit for the Islanders.

Cutter Gauthier, C/LW

Cutter Gauthier was also born in Sweden, but moved to Arizona when he was young. Although hockey isn’t very popular in the state,  Gautheir was soon recruited to play in Michigan where his career took off. This year, Gauthier had 19 goals and nine assists in 22 USHL games for the US Development Program, leading the team in goals over others expected to go in the top 15 of the upcoming draft. Gauthier also had 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 54 USNTDP games, and is committed to Boston College for next season. 

Rutger McGroarty, C

A teammate of Gauthier, Rutger McGroarty also showed off his goal-scoring ability this season. The Lincoln, Nebraska native is more of a center, though, as Gauthier tends to play as a winger. Still, McGroarty and Gauthier put up comparable numbers as teammates; McGroarty had 15 goals and 33 points in 25 USHL games, and 35 goals and 69 points in 54 USNTDP games. McGroarty is headed to the University of Michigan to play college hockey next year.

Marco Kasper, C

Marco Kasper is a prospect who doesn’t get a ton of attention but looked impressive in Sweden this season. Originally from Austria, this was Kasper’s second year playing in Sweden. After just 12 strong games with Rogle BK’s U20 team, he was called up to the main squad. In his 46 SHL games Kasper had 11 points, seven of which were goals. Despite his limited role, Kasper showed both offensive output and a solid 200-foot game. Kasper appears as a safer option the Islanders could go with.

Jagger Firkus, LW

Yes, a lot of this years’ draft prospects have names that just roll off the tongue. The kid from Alberta came out of nowhere this season, exceeding expectations in the WHL. Firkus had 36 goals and 44 assists for 80 points in 66 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors. Although Firkus is a solid option with high upside, he is undersized and seems to have a lower hockey IQ. This makes him more of a question mark and scout s may have varying opinions on him. Still, Firkus has one of the best shots in the draft class, and with proper development, can succeed in the future.

All statistics are as of May 4, 2022.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others