New York Islanders 2023 NHL Draft grade: Corey Pronman analyzes every pick
Corey Pronman details what to expect from the New York Islanders’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system.
Complete coverage of the 2023 NHL Draft.
2023 Draft Grade: C+
The Islanders didn’t pick until 49, but the guy they picked in Danny Nelson is a player I’m highly intrigued by. A former defenseman turned center this season with size, skating and skill, he could potentially be molded into a real player but there is the risk that he doesn’t pan out as well.
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Draft Class
49. Danny Nelson, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)
August 3, 2005 | 6′ 3″ | 212 pounds
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Player comparable: Radek Faksa
Background: Nelson played center and wing for the U.S. NTDP this season. The prior season he was a center for USA, but he played defense at Minnesota High School. He’s played a lot of defense and forward at various times coming up as an amateur. He was named player of the game of the gold medal game at the U18 worlds. He is committed to Notre Dame.
Analysis: Nelson’s toolkit is undeniably intriguing. He’s 6-foot-3, can skate, has good puck skills and can shoot the puck well. His work ethic is good, he has some physicality even if for a big guy I wish he was even harder. Nelson has shown he can kill penalties and was a go-to guy to kill penalties for the U18 team this season. I thought his actual play this season was inconsistent, and his lack of hockey sense showed at times around better players. Whoever drafts him will be drafting a lot of talent, and will have a unique opportunity to mold him into whatever position they think is best. He could be a third line center, a second/third pair defenseman or better at either position. He’s a unique case study, and there’s a case that he has a lot of room to develop, especially given how young he is relative to the draft class and the big jump in competition he made year over year.
113. Jesse Nurmi, LW, KOOKOO JR. (FINLAND-JR.)
March 7, 2005 | 5′ 11″ | 168 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Background: Nurmi was an important part of Finland’s U18 team this season. He didn’t put up big scoring numbers at the Finland junior level but did get nine games at the Liiga level.
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Analysis: Nurmi’s game has a lot of speed and energy in it. He’s a great skater who projects to be able to turn the corner on pro defensemen. He’s not the biggest player, but Nurmi wins a lot races and forces turnovers. He also has a strong skill level and can generate offense through his puck skills and vision. There’s a lot to like about his game, except for his size at 5-foot-10. He’s talented, but whether he’s talented enough or the compete is elite enough at that size to have an NHL career is something I’m unsure of.
145. Justin Gill, C, SHERBROOKE (QMJHL)
January 27, 2003 | 6′ 1″ | 190 pounds
Analysis: Gill is a center with a great skill level who can beat a lot of defenders with his one-on-one play. He also has an excellent shot and is a threat to score from range. His skating is just OK, though, and while he had a big 19-year-old season in the QMJHL, I question whether there’s enough pure offensive sense for him to be a real scorer as a pro.
177. Zachary Schulz, LHD, USA U-18 (NTDP)
June 14, 2005 | 6′ 1″ | 197 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Background: Schulz saw his role with the U.S. NTDP steadily elevate as the season went along and was named captain of the U18 team heading into the World Championships. He is committed to the University of Wisconsin.
Analysis: Schulz has a steady, simple game. He’s a strong skater who competes well and kills a lot of plays. He has good physicality in his game and shows up every night. He’ll make stops as a pro, but whether he’ll have any offense is up for debate. I think he can make a good enough outlet pass to have a chance to make it, but as an average-sized player whether he can carve out a legit NHL role is questionable.
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209. Dennis Good Bogg, LHD, AIK JR. (SWEDEN-JR.)
March 2, 2004 | 6′ 1″ | 191 pounds
Analysis: Dennis Good Bogg is a mobile, physical defenseman with good size, but his puck-moving/skill level are questions.
(Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
