The New York Islanders entered training camp with a clear eye on the future, and one name that kept surfacing was Dylan Kuefler. The 2022 sixth‑round draft pick posted a career‑high 10 goals and 25 points in 67 AHL games last season, a performance that has turned heads within the organization.
Kuefler’s path to this moment was anything but linear. After failing to crack the AHL roster in 2023‑24, he spent time in the ECHL before earning a call‑up in February, where he proved he could handle the pace and produce points when given the chance.
The Islanders have a track record of turning overlooked talent into contributors. Alumni such as Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb emerged from the system and have become regulars in the lineup, illustrating the club’s willingness to invest in development over pedigree.
Tryout Tactics Shape AHL Depth
Beyond Kuefler, the franchise is experimenting with tryout agreements for two former high‑profile prospects. Patrik Laine, the former No. 2 overall pick, and Oliver Wahlstrom, the 2018 No. 11 overall selection, are both being considered for contracts that would primarily bolster the AHL affiliate’s depth rather than guarantee an immediate NHL impact.
Wahlstrom’s recent AHL campaign was a revelation, as he recorded a career‑high 24 goals and 42 points in 62 games, showcasing a scoring touch that could translate into a more prominent role if the organization decides to keep him on the roster.
Meanwhile, Dennis Good Bogg, a 2023 seventh‑round pick, has taken his game overseas, signing with Mariestad in Sweden’s third‑tier HockeyEttan after spending the last two seasons mostly in the country’s second‑tier HockeyAllsvenskan. The Islanders retain exclusive negotiating rights until next summer, but an entry‑level NHL deal appears unlikely without a marked improvement in his performance.
The strategic use of tryouts reflects a broader philosophy: by evaluating former top prospects in a controlled environment, the Islanders can assess depth options for their AHL team while keeping the door open for future NHL opportunities. This approach not only maximizes developmental potential but also aligns with the club’s history of nurturing undrafted talent into meaningful contributors.