The New York Islanders are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft with a transparent goal: make each choose depend. With seven choices and a comparatively weak prospect pool, the franchise is aware of every resolution may form its future.
Whereas a lot of the fan and media consideration is understandably targeted on the Islanders’ first-round choose, their No. 42 choice would possibly show simply as essential, particularly with a participant like Cameron Schmidt within the dialog.
Islanders Eye Cameron Schmidt As a Potential Sport-Changer in 2025 NHL Draft
Cameron Schmidt has emerged as one of many extra intriguing prospects heading into the draft. The 5-foot-7 proper winger has been a standout performer for the Vancouver Giants within the WHL.
He notched a formidable 78 factors in simply 61 video games final season, together with a powerful 40-goal efficiency paired with 38 assists. He wasn’t only a regular-season star both; in 5 playoff video games, Schmidt added 9 extra factors to his whole, exhibiting he can ship when the stress is on.
Cameron Schmidt had one of the best bench press rating of any prospect on the 2025 Mix!
He additionally scored very properly within the shuttle run professional agility check.
Learn extra about Saturday’s health testing ⬇️#NHLDraft https://t.co/4YwKr10fvp
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) June 8, 2025
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In accordance with Eyes on Isles author Michael Stahurski, Schmidt lately met with Islanders normal supervisor Mathieu Darche. That alone is an indication that the Islanders are significantly contemplating him for his or her second-round choose.
Darche, who has spoken about wanting to construct a quicker, extra dynamic roster, would possibly see Schmidt as an excellent match. His velocity and agility on the ice, mixed with a deadly shot, align properly with the crew’s broader imaginative and prescient of turning into a faster and extra offensively harmful membership.
The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari famous Schmidt’s scoring prowess, saying, “There aren’t many players in this draft with the kind of one-shot scoring ability Schmidt has.”
Regardless of his smaller body, Schmidt has proven that he can hold with larger gamers because of his acceleration, puck management, and hockey IQ. Past the WHL, Schmidt has represented Canada in worldwide competitors, serving to his groups win gold at each the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U18 World Championship. These accomplishments solely strengthen his case as a possible impression participant on the NHL degree.
There’s little question that the Islanders are placing severe thought into their choices this yr. With Forbes valuing the franchise at $1.9 billion, there’s a sure expectation for clever, forward-thinking strikes. In the event that they wish to inject life into their pipeline and put together for long-term competitiveness, grabbing a high-ceiling participant like Schmidt might be a sensible step.
