Top prospects for New York Islanders

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the New York Islanders, according to NHL.com.

Islanders 32 in 32: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown]

1. Aatu Raty, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 52 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Bridgeport (AHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; Karpat (Liiga): 6 GP, 0-1-1; Jukurit (Liiga): 41 GP, 13-27-40
The 19-year-old is projected to start in the American Hockey League. He had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games for second-place Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. He opened the tournament with four points (one goal, three assists) in a 6-1 win against Latvia, was the center on the top line with Joakim Kemell and Roni Hirvonen and played 17:53, most among forwards, in a 3-2 overtime loss to Canada in the championship game.
Raty (6-foot-2, 187 pounds) was cut from the WJC team in December, one year after making it at age 17. He flourished under Jukurit coach Olli Jokinen after an October trade from Karpat and had one goal and three assists in six Calder Cup Playoff games.
"I'm from the school of I'd rather have them come up a little later than too soon," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "He'll be in the American Hockey League, unless he just jumps off the charts in training camp, which you never know."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Robin Salo, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 46 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: New York (NHL): 21 GP, 1-4-5; Bridgeport (AHL): 40 GP, 4-16-20
The 23-year-old (6-2, 192) is a strong candidate to play with Scott Mayfield on the third pair and give the Islanders more speed and skill at the position in place of unrestricted free agents Zdeno Chara and Andy Greene.
"He'll have a tremendous opportunity," Lamoriello said. "He and several others will be given that opportunity and it's going to be interesting to see which one grabs it."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. William Dufour, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 152 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Saint John (QMJHL): 66 GP, 56-60-116
The 20-year-old agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract April 21. He earned it by breaking Jonathan Huberdeau's Saint John record in points (105) set in 2010-11 and was most valuable player of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Dufour (6-3, 195) scored seven goals at the 2022 Memorial Cup, including a natural hat trick in 6:36 of the final round-robin, helped the Sea Dogs to the championship and was named tournament MVP.
Like Raty, Dufour did not make the WJC cut in December. He responded with seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games for Canada, his final goal coming against Raty's line 41 seconds into the second period of the title game.
"What impressed me the most about William was his play in the World Juniors defensively," Lamoriello said. "We're talking about a young man who has come from nowhere, if that's an expression to use."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Simon Holmstrom, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 23 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:Bridgeport (AHL): 68 GP, 12-31-43
The 21-year-old ranked second on Bridgeport in goals and assists and had three goals and one assist in six Calder Cup Playoff games. It was an increase from the 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 46 games in 2019-20 and seven points (four goals, three assists in 24 games) in 2020-21.
Another full and productive season in the AHL could put Holmstrom (6-2, 201) in place to challenge for an NHL role in 2023-24, if not sooner.
"Simon had a breakout year," Lamoriello said. "He came over at 18, so it's his third year, but he's already you know, been a pro for three years. We're anxious to see what he does in training camp."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Calle Odelius, D

How acquired:Selected with No. 65 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Djurgardens (SHL): 43 GP, 7-23-30
The 18-year-old (5-11, 185) will remain in the Swedish Hockey League this season to build upper-body strength. He showed off his conditioning by finishing in the top five in three events at the 2022 NHL Scouting Combine.
"They're getting a good skating, two-way defenseman with offensive upside, plus a really good passing game," Odelius said July 8. "I can be more aggressive [in the defensive zone] and play harder in front of the net, taking away sticks."
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25 season