Hockey

Islanders Draft Defenseman Vladimir Dravecky in Fifth Round of NHL Entry Draft

by
William Caldwell
June 27, 2026

The New York Islanders added to their defensive prospects by selecting right-shot defenseman Vladimir Dravecky with the 141st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Dravecky, who played for the Guelph Storm in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), is coming off a season where he demonstrated his potential despite being part of a stacked Brantford Bulldogs team.

In 58 regular-season games with the Bulldogs, Dravecky notched nine goals and 19 assists, totaling 28 points. His playoff performance included three assists in 11 games, showcasing his ability to contribute when it mattered most. Additionally, he represented the Czechia U20 national team, where he tallied five assists in 11 international games, although he did not register any points at the 2026 World Junior Championship.

Dravecky made a notable transition on June 9 when he was traded from the Brantford Bulldogs to the Guelph Storm. He played under the guidance of Jay McKee, the newly appointed head coach of the Hamilton Hammers, during his time in Brantford. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 192 pounds, Dravecky brings a well-rounded game to the Islanders, combining strong mobility with solid hockey sense. While he may not have a single standout trait, his potential was somewhat masked while playing behind other talented defensemen on the Bulldogs roster.

Scouts had anticipated Dravecky being selected around the third round, making the Islanders’ fifth-round choice a potentially valuable find. General manager Mathieu Darche is keen on strengthening the right side of the team’s prospect pool, and Dravecky is the second right-shot blueliner picked by the Islanders in this draft. He now joins a growing cadre of defensemen as the team looks to build a more robust blue line.

As the day progresses, the Islanders have two more opportunities to draft, once in each of the sixth and seventh rounds. Fans can catch the action on NHL Network, Sportsnet, and ESPN+.

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.