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The Islanders selected forward Kieffer Bellows from the U.S. National Under 18 team. The son of Brian Bellows scored 50 goals this past season. He is the eight American to be drafted in the first round.

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Happy Draft Day everyone! This is one of the most interesting drafts in recent memory for the Islanders. New York holds the 19th pick in the first round. This is actually one on the most important weeks in Garth Snow's tenure, starting tonight with the draft and concluding with the beginning of free agency.

There are three options for Garth Snow tonight, include the pick in a package for a top-line winger. Rumors have been swirling around the Islanders getting Taylor Hall. Any package for Hall would have to include Travis Hamonic, who rescinded his trade request in May. After all of that I do not see Snow trading him.

The Isles could trade down to acquire additional picks. They traded their second-round pick to acquire Johnny Boychuk. They traded their third-round pick to Ottawa for Shane Prince. I truly hope that Snow does not do this. The organization is deep at each position, just not the big club.

Lastly, New York can make the pick. There are plenty of quality prospects that Snow can select at 19. The Islanders usually do not select hometown players but McAvoy is too good to pass up. The 18-year-old is one of only two collegiate players that received an A rating from NHL Central Scouting. The Boston University Terrier was named to Hockey East's All-Rookie Team after leading the defensemen with 24 points. The Long Beach native is a stride two-way defenseman. He's a strong skater, who likes to join the rush. McAvoy has the potential to be a better Nick Leddy. He has a heavy, accurate shot. Not with the power delivered by Ryan Pulock though. Between McAvoy and Pulock, the Islanders would be deadly from the point on the power play for years to come. Other potential picks include Max Jones, Kieffer Bellows and Riley Tufte.

Will update this post throughout the day.

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