Hockey

New York Islanders Prepare for 2026 NHL Draft with Four Key Selections

by
William Caldwell
June 19, 2026

The New York Islanders are gearing up for the 2026 NHL Draft, set to commence on Friday, June 26 at 7 PM ET. With a total of four selections, including a pivotal first-round pick, the team has a chance to bolster its roster significantly.

General manager Mathieu Darche will navigate the draft with the No. 13 pick in the first round. This selection comes after a series of trades that reshaped the Islanders’ draft strategy. Notably, Darche dealt the Colorado Avalanche’s first-round pick, which was originally No. 29, in a transaction with the St. Louis Blues to acquire Brayden Schenn. Additionally, he traded the third-round pick, No. 77, to the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Carson Soucy.

Former general manager Lou Lamoriello also made moves that impacted the current draft situation, having sent the Islanders’ 2026 third-round pick, No. 45, to the Chicago Blackhawks. This trade was part of an effort to offload the final season of Josh Bailey’s contract.

The Islanders, however, still hold valuable picks in the later rounds, with selections in rounds four through seven: No. 109 (4th), No. 141 (5th), No. 173 (6th), and No. 205 (7th). As the draft approaches, expectations are high that the Islanders will target a right-handed defenseman with their No. 13 pick, unless an unexpected opportunity arises with a player sliding out of the top-10.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.