This 32-part series will spotlight OHL players who are either signed to an NHL or AHL contract or are recently drafted, and are 25 years old or younger with 50 or fewer NHL games played.

Join us for OHL In the System!

Today, we will take a closer look at the OHL heavy pipeline of the New York Islanders.

 

Matthew Schaefer (D) – Erie Otters (2023-25)
Selected: 1st Round, 1st Overall (2025)
OHL Career Stats: 73 GP, 10 G, 29 A, 39 PTS, +19
Age: 17

Selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters became just the second player since Connor McDavid to go first overall in both the OHL and NHL Drafts. Despite a season shortened by illness and injury, the 6-foot-2 defenceman from Stoney Creek, Ont., registered 22 points (7-15–22) in 17 games, showcasing his elite skating, vision, and two-way game.

 

Kashawn Aitcheson (D) – Barrie Colts (2023-25)
Selected: 1st Round, 17th Overall (2025)
OHL Career Stats: 151 GP, 35 G, 66 A, 101 PTS, -4
Age: 18

With their second first-round pick, the Islanders doubled down on OHL blue line talent, selecting Barrie Colts defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson at 17th overall. The 6-foot-1 blueliner brings a mobile, hard-nosed presence with offensive flair. Aitcheson recorded 59 points (23-36–59) in 64 games, setting a new franchise record for goals by a defenceman and finishing third among all OHL defenders in scoring.

 

Luca Romano (C) – Kitchener Rangers (2023-25)
Selected: 3rd Round, 74th Overall (2025)
OHL Career Stats: 123 GP, 35 G, 38 A, 73 PTS, +6
Age: 18

The Islanders added a third OHL player in forward Luca Romano from the Kitchener Rangers. The Toronto native made a big leap in his sophomore season, finishing with 51 points (25-26–51) in 67 games, more than doubling his production from his rookie campaign. Romano’s strong work ethic and offensive instincts made him a key contributor for the Rangers.

 

Calum Ritchie (C) – Oshawa Generals (2021-25)
Acquired: March 06, 2025
OHL Career Stats: 221 GP, 86 G, 168 A, 254 PTS, +67
Age: 20

Acquired by the Islanders in a trade this past season, Callum Ritchie arrives after wrapping up a four-year tenure with the Oshawa Generals. The former first-round pick made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche, suiting up for seven games and netting his first NHL goal on October 15, 2024 – ironically against the Islanders. Returning to junior, Ritchie played a pivotal role in leading Oshawa to a second straight OHL Championship series appearance. He tallied 70 points (15-55–70) in 47 regular-season games and added 25 points (9-16–25) across 21 playoff contests. Internationally, he served as an assistant captain for Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

 

Jesse Nurmi (LW) – London Knights (2024-25)
Signed: June 10, 2024
OHL Career Stats: 58 GP, 9 G, 22 A, 31 PTS, +10
Age: 20

A 2024 CHL Import Draft selection, Jesse Nurmi was part of the London Knights’ 2025 Memorial Cup-winning squad. The Finnish winger produced 31 points (9-22–31) in 58 games and represented Finland at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he tallied five points (2-3–5) in seven games.

 

Isaiah George (D) – London Knights (2021-24)
Signed: September 13, 2023
OHL Career Stats: 189 GP, 19 G, 56 A, 75 PTS, +72
Age: 21

Isaiah George split time between Bridgeport and the NY Islanders this past season, making his NHL debut and scoring his first goal on December 21, 2024, against his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. He recorded five points (1-4–5) in his NHL stint. Back in the AHL, George posted 14 points (4-10–14) in 33 games and will push for a full-time NHL spot this fall.

 

Matthew Maggio (RW) – Ottawa 67’s (2018-2019), Windsor Spitfires (2019-23)
Signed: May 1, 2023
OHL Career Stats: 212 GP, 99 G, 118 A, 217 PTS, +72
Age: 22

After a standout OHL career, Matthew Maggio completed his second full season with the Bridgeport Islanders, recording 19 points (7-12–19) over 60 games. The skilled winger continues to develop his pro game, bringing energy and secondary scoring to the lineup. Heading into next season, improving his offensive consistency will be a key focus.

 

Tristan Lennox (G) – Saginaw Spirit (2018-23)
Signed: March 1, 2023
OHL Career Stats: 121 GP, 3.26 GAA, .887 SV%, 59-45-5-4
Age: 22

Tristan Lennox saw limited action this season after returning from a significant knee injury, appearing in just seven games. He made his NHL debut in April, entering in relief during a 9-2 loss to the New York Rangers and allowing one goal on two shots. With Bridgeport, he posted a 4.12 goals-against average and a .853 save percentage across six games. Despite the setbacks, Lennox remains a depth option in the Islanders’ goaltending pipeline.

 

Tomorrow on In The System, we’ll take a look at the OHL Talent inside the New York Rangers organization!