The New York Islanders’ lineup doesn’t have a lot of spots to be filled for next season, making it difficult for prospects to be able to push their way into the lineup. There are a few prospects though that we could likely see at some point in the season, regardless of whether they stick with the roster or they’re sent back down.
Here are four prospects we can expect to see play NHL games next season.
Sebastian Aho
Aho didn’t get a chance this year with the Islanders after playing 22 games in 2017-18 but expect him to at least get a call-up at some point next year. Aho had 46 points in 67 games this year with Bridgeport and though being 23 doesn’t make Aho and older prospect by any means, it’s right around the time where he needs to start getting some action in the NHL.
Noah Dobson
After back-to-back Memorial Cups, Noah Dobson has nothing left to prove in junior hockey. He has dominated the QMJHL and it could be argued that sending him back for a fourth season in junior isn’t furthering his development. That being said, Dobson won’t have a spot to start the season and could only gain one if a nine-game trial run goes well. New York is very solid on the right side but Dobson will likely at least get a shot at the beginning of the season before a decision has to be made on him.
Josh Ho-Sang
Josh Ho-Sang’s time in New York has been anything but simple. Ho-Sang, a first-round pick in 2014, has played at least 10 games with the Islanders in each of the last three seasons since turning pro. He’s consistently produced in Bridgeport and even with the Islanders, he’s totalled seven goals and 24 points in just 53 games. Ho-Sang has been public about frustrations over his role in the organization and you have to think we’re approaching the time where he needs to get a prolonged chance with the Islanders.
Otto Koivula
This is a bit of a sleeper pick. As it is, Michael Dal Colle probably isn’t even going to get much playing time if the lineup is healthy (provided that Anders Lee re-signs), so finding a spot for Koivula, even for a couple games, may be a difficult task. That said, with 21 goals and 46 points in 69 games with Bridgeport, Koivula is a good candidate for a breakout season next year in the minors, one that could earn him an NHL look sooner rather than later. At just 20 years old he’s still young but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him get a few games with the Islanders next year to gain a bit of experience.
Two honourable mentions are Oliver Wahlstrom and Bode Wilde, who could get nine-game looks but due how many spots are already filled on the Islanders’ roster, probably aren't getting into games quite yet.
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