4 Islanders Rookies to Watch at Training Camp

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The New York Islanders’ training camp is underway, and many of the rookies are continuing to impress.

The team held its rookie camp earlier this month, and 17 of the 25 players from rookie camp were invited to training camp. Of these 17, there are a few standouts who have a real shot at making the Islanders team.

Offense

Cole Eiserman (LW)

Left wing Cole Eiserman is only 20-years-old, but has impressed the Islanders staff with his progress. He has the ability to make a big impact with his goal-scoring abilities. His goal-scoring is what has caught the eye of Islanders’ coaches and fans alike.

In 2025-26, Eiserman played for Boston University at the NCAA level, where he scored 28 points in 32 games. Additionally, he played 12 games with the Bridgeport Islanders, where he had nine points. And during the rookie game against the New Jersey Devils on September 13, Eiserman scored both the OT winner and the game-tying goal.

It’s no secret that there are holes in the Islanders’ offense. Someone like Eiserman could step in and be a dependable bottom-six player for this team. He has both the ability and talent to do so.

Victor Eklund (RW)

Victor Eklund is a 19-year-old right-winger and has spent the 2025-26 season in the Swedish Hockey League. Eklund scored 24 points in 43 games during his first full season in the SHL. After the SHL season concluded, he came over to play in his first NHL game, but primarily remained in the AHL. For the Bridgeport Islanders, he was putting up over a point per game.

Getting used to the style of North American hockey was a concern, but from the small sample size, it seems like Eklund could acclimate faster than anticipated.

Eklund is a fast, two-way winger with a clear ability to put up points. There are currently some holes in the Islanders’ bottom-six that a player like Eklund could easily step into. Whether that’s right away, or part-way through the season is to be seen.

Defense

Kashawn Aitcheson (LHD)

With Matthew Schaefer coming off his rookie season, it allows more focus on the other defensive prospects. Another 2025 first-round draft pick at #17, 19-year-old Kashawn Aitcheson is a left-handed defenseman. He is currently the captain of the OHL Barrie Colts.

He provides a big presence on the ice, hitting hard and often. This is a big asset to the Islanders, especially if they are looking to add some of their younger prospects to the roster this year. Since Matt Martin retired, the team has been lacking a big-body presence, a role in which Aitcheson could step into.

Aitcheson isn’t just a big body on the ice, however. Aitcheson has some impressive puck-handling that has also made him stand out. At the moment, the Islanders lack depth on defense, and adding Aitcheson could help their blue line. He’s the type of player who will lay his body on the line for his team, which has led to a high penalty-minute total. But he makes up for it during turnovers and with his ability to control the puck.

Isaiah George (LHD)

With the most NHL and AHL experience, defenseman Isaiah George is on the cusp of finally breaking into the Islanders’ roster. George, 22, was drafted 98th overall in 2022 by the Islanders.

He has played 37 games in the NHL, but the majority of his professional playing career has been in the AHL. The team has spent time developing his skills, and now it looks like it’s paying off. He showed up to this year’s rookie camp looking more confident and ready for a permanent position. Now with training camp underway, it’s time to prove he deserves a spot on the Islanders’ blue line.

George is a strong, fast skater, but his puck-moving abilities are what have caught the attention of the Islanders coaching staff. He stays calm under pressure, opting for simplicity over being flashy. He’s a big body, standing at 6’2,” and can deliver hard hits. All of these things made him a dependable call-up option. However, with this new coaching staff, and the improvements George has made to his own game, it looks like he has a real shot.

It won’t be a surprise if we see George on the opening night roster for the Islanders.