Räty Ready for the Next Step in Pro Journey

As Aatu Räty prepares for his first full professional season in North America, the Islanders' 2021 second-round pick said that his past - albeit brief - experience with the Bridgeport Islanders is invaluable.
A quick recap. After joining Bridgeport late last season, Räty put up four playoff points in six games, including the game-winning overtime goal that secured Bridgeport their first playoff series win since 2003.

"It really helped, getting to know the guys, getting to know the coaches, knowing the drills in practices, getting used to the small rink," Räty said. "I've got some new friends. It felt good playing there. It's a huge boost for camp."
Räty had a short offseason, jumping from the Finnish Liiga playoffs with Jukurit to Bridgeport. He finished his summer with World Juniors, where he helped lead the Finnish team to a silver medal, finishing with 10 points in seven games, the fourth highest scorer in the tournament.

Fellow Islander prospects Eetu Liukas and Matias Rajaniemi joined Räty on the Finnish team. In the gold medal game, Räty also competed against fellow Islander prospect William Dufour,
who won gold with team Canada
.
"That was really the first time that we saw each other," Dufour said. "I had the defensive role to shut down (Räty's) line during the tournament. It was nice to play all my shifts against him and really see how good he is. I was happy he was going to be my teammate next year."
Räty joined the organization for training camp last year, and made an impression on Islanders brass with his motor, skill and hockey IQ.
Bridgeport Head Coach Brent Thompson said Räty's shown those same traits in rookie camp this year. He said his improved confidence from an excellent season in Finland, where he scored 40 points in 41 games with Jukurit, helped him make new strides.
"Just confidence... He's at that point where he's comfortable," Thompson told reporters. "He's confident. He understands what he's supposed to do... He has good details in his game and that's something we always like."

At rookie camp, Räty's intensity during on-ice drills has been noticeable. The first three days of camp focused on skill and skating, which Räty said was one of the areas he wanted to improve the most in.
Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello said he thought Räty would most likely start the season in Bridgeport, and not the NHL, but Räty said he's not concerned about not making the team right away.
"I think I'm a good player and could help any team. It's a matter of time," Räty said. "If I'm not ready yet, I'll be ready either in one month or two or three years. It doesn't matter. I'll be ready. I'm just trying to be the best version of myself, try to play as well as I can, and I'm sure they'll find the perfect spot for me when the season starts, either in Bridgeport or with the Islanders."