Islanders Add Size and Skill in 2026 Draft
The New York Islanders selected Lincoln Kuehne, a 6‑foot‑2, 210‑pound defenseman, in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Draft. The pick adds a physical presence to a blue line that has been seeking more depth and versatility.
Kuehne spent his freshman season with Arizona State, where he began to translate his power‑skating regimen into a reliable asset on the ice. Growing up in a hockey‑oriented household — his father played in the USHL — he honed a skill set that blends shutdown defense with occasional offensive contributions.
Modeling His Game After a Red Wings Icon
When asked about the players he emulates, Kuehne pointed to Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider. He admires Seider’s work ethic and grit, traits he hopes to mirror as he adjusts to the professional game.
“I try to bring that same relentless effort every shift,” Kuehne said. “Seider’s ability to read the play and make smart decisions under pressure is something I want to incorporate into my own game.”
Reunion with a Former USNTDP Teammate
The draft also marks a reunion with Jacob Kvasnicka, Kuehne’s longtime partner on the U.S. National Team Development Program. Kvasnicka expressed excitement about having Kuehne join the organization, noting that the two already share a strong on‑ice chemistry.
“It’s great to be back with Jacob,” Kvasnicka said. “We’ve been pushing each other for years, and I think we can help each other take the next step.”
Kuehne will get his first taste of the Islanders’ development camp in 2026, an opportunity he sees as crucial for refining his skills against top prospects. He is eager to learn from the coaching staff and to test himself against peers who share his ambition.
A Familiar Face in the Isles’ System
Before the draft, Kuehne already had a connection to the Islanders through a matchup with Matthew Schaefer at the World Under‑17 Hockey Challenge in 2023‑24. Watching Schaefer’s early career with the Isles gave him a sense of the organization’s culture and expectations.
“I’ve been following the Isles for a while, and getting drafted by them feels like the right fit,” Kuehne added. “The team’s focus on development and community aligns with my own goals.”