The New York Islanders announced Tuesday that they have signed forward Daniil Prokhorov to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Russian was the Islanders second round selection (42nd overall) at the 2025 NHL Draft.
Prokhorov had recently signed a two-way, two-year deal with the KHL’s Dynamo Moscow after completing a professional tryout with them. A deal he can opt out of now that he signed his ELC with the Islanders. The 18-year-old can come over to North America and play for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. The team drafted him in the second round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft.
Prokhorov opened Isles’ eyes
He recorded 27 points (20 goals, seven assists) in 43 games for MHK St. Petersburg in Russia’s Molodezhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga (MHL) last season, finishing second on his team in scoring, and added four goals in eight playoff games. Prokhorov had 43 points (27 goals, 16 assists) in 79 career games in the MHL.
The Russian opened some eyes of the Islanders brass and fans during this Summer’s prospect camp. The 6-foot-6 forward can skate for a player his size. He’s not afraid to use his body. He can park himself in front of the net and provide perfect screens and tip ins. He could very well become the next Anders Lee.
Prokhorov could very be headed to the AHL in 2026-27. The league has a rule where Canadian Hockey League players must be 20 to play. For Europeans and college players, the minimum age is 19, which Prokhorov will be.
