New York Islanders: Top 10 Prospects Entering 2018

EAST MEADOW, NY - JUNE 28: New York Islanders Forward Oliver Wahlstrom (25) skates during New York Islanders Mini Camp and the Blue and White Scrimmage on June 28, 2018, at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Ruslan Iskhakov #22 of the Russian Nationals (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

9. Ruslan Iskhakov, RW [18] (2-43, 2018)

Stats (Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL): 33 gp, 6 g, 24 a, 30 p, 2 PPG, 2 GWG (4 pgp, 1 g, 0 a, 1 p).

Ruslan Iskhakov saw his stock rise from the start of the year to where he was drafted over the last year. It was the last month leading up to the entry draft where Iskhakov got more and more hyped up, ending in some prospect rankers’ top twenties. That’s why he got drafted in the higher second round, despite some rather lackluster numbers and size problems.

It’s believed that Iskhakov can be a European version of Alex DeBrincat

It’s believed that Iskhakov can be a European version of Alex DeBrincat, with the same size problems but the same NHL-level skill sets. Iskhakov was tied for 63rd in points per game in the MHL this past season, his first season in the Russian professional system.

He did well in the transition and will make another to the NCAA this season. That will be another test of what Iskhakov can do. If he excels at that level, he could move further up this list and be more NHL ready by the end of the season. He’s an able goal scorer and was good for Russia in International contests. He should be an intriguing prospect this season.

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