23. New York Islanders – Samuel Poulin (LW, Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL)
The Islanders have had some solid draft luck over the past few seasons, with first-rounders including Mathew Barzal, Kieffer Bellows, Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson.
The Isles had an interesting playoff run this season that saw them sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round before getting swept by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Regardless, it was a solid season for them after losing John Tavares and they’ll hope to keep their good fortunes up with a solid pick at 23rd. With that said, I have them taking Samuel Poulin.
The QMJHL hasn’t been making much of a statement in this year’s first round, but Poulin is a solid name to represent the league. Being named alternate captain at age 17 is a pretty big accomplishment, and he had a great season offensively as well that saw him register 76 points in 67 games.
He’s got good size at 6’2 and 207lbs and doesn’t lack in any department offensively. He will likely remain in the Q for at least one more season, but if all goes according to plan he could join a talented young forward core on Long Island.