When the New York Islanders drafted defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson 17th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, they knew they were getting a player of significance. However, they may have just drafted a franchise player who has captain potential down the road. If he plays in the NHL like he did in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the league has been put on notice.
Islanders' Aitcheson is a rare breed
Aitcheson is a prospect with a big skill set. He can produce offensively, hit like a truck, be physical, and is a smooth skater. And he went 17th? He has the potential to be a player 16 other teams look back on and wish they had drafted him. He is also a right-handed shot, something that is coveted in the league right now.
Playing for the Barrie Colts of the OHL last season, he scored 26 goals and added 33 assists for 59 points in 64 games, along with 88 penalty minutes. He led Barrie in goals, was second on the team in assists, and first among defenders in assists. Over his OHL career, Aitcheson has 35 goals and 66 assists for 101 points in 151 games.
At 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, Aitcheson is not the biggest defensemen, but he plays a big game. He is a throwback-style skater who is a heavy hitter but also a good two-way player. His physical play compares to that of former Islanders defenseman, Darius Kaspairitis.
Aitcheson is full of promise
After helping Canada capture a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship and getting drafted this year, he has set his eyes on making the Islanders out of training camp. A lofty goal to be sure, but he has NHL-level skill now. His offensive production with Barrie last season would have led the Islanders defense last season in scoring and his penalty minutes would have led the team.
Aitcheson brings a new dimension to the Islanders defense and one that has not been seen for years. While he may be a couple of years away from showing his full potential in the NHL, the Islanders know they have something special in him. A defenseman who plays an aggressive style with offensive potential, a player of his stature does not come along often.
The last defenseman to combine toughness, hitting, and offensive ability may have been Hockey Hall of Famer Rob Blake as they both possess the same skill set. He has also recentlybeen named to participatein the World Junior Summer Showcase for Team Canada. How he lasted until pick 17 is beyond me, but New York has a good player waiting for his opportunity.