Monday’s light practice offered few clues toward that end. It is rare, though, for a No. 1 pick not to start the season in the NHL, and going into the start of free agency Tuesday, the Islanders blue line looked ripe for Schaefer to grab a spot.

Corey Pronman details what to expect from the New York Islanders’ new prospects and how they fit into the farm system. 2025 Draft Grade: A+. The Islanders brought the most clear

Acquired as part of the Noah Dobson deal with the Canadiens, the Islanders selected Eklund, the 18-year-old Swede, with the No. 16 overall pick. Eklund is ranked as the second-best international prospect by NHL.