2026 OHL In The System: New York Islanders

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 New York Islanders’ OHL-heavy pipeline.

 

Vladimir Dravecky (D) –  Brantford Bulldogs (2025-26), Guelph Storm (2026-27)

Selected: 5th Round, 141st Overall (2026)

OHL Career Stats: 58 GP, 9G, 19A, 28 PTS, +24

Age: 18

The New York Islanders selected newly acquired Guelph Storm defenceman Vladimir Dravecky in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Acquired by the Storm earlier this offseason following a trade with the Brantford Bulldogs, the late-2007-born blueliner recorded 28 points (9-19–28) in 58 games during his rookie OHL season. His father, Vladimir Sr., continues to play professionally in Czechia’s top league.

 

Kashawn Aitcheson (D) – Barrie Colts (2023-26)

Selected: 1st Round, 17th Overall (2025)

OHL Career Stats: 207 GP, 63G, 108A, 171 PTS, +42

Age: 19

Kashawn Aitcheson put together a record-setting final season in Barrie, leading all OHL defencemen with 70 points while setting a Colts franchise record for goals by a defenceman with 28. The Toronto, Ont., native also finished among the league leaders with a +46 rating and six game-winning goals, while his 15 power-play goals paced all OHL blueliners. Named the OHL’s Defenceman of the Year as the recipient of the Max Kaminsky Trophy, Aitcheson finished his Colts career as the franchise’s all-time leader among defencemen in both goals (63) and points (171). He also represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, earning a bronze medal, and was named to both the OHL and CHL First All-Star Teams.

 

Luca Romano (C) – Kitchener Rangers (2023-25)

Selected: 3rd Round, 74th Overall (2025)

OHL Career Stats: 178 GP, 49G, 57A, 106 PTS, +15

Age: 19

Luca Romano capped off his third season with the Kitchener Rangers by helping the club capture both the OHL and Memorial Cup championships. Serving as an assistant captain, Romano recorded 33 points (14-19–33) in 55 regular-season games before adding another championship to his résumé.

 

Jesse Nurmi (LW) – London Knights (2024-26)

Selected: 4th Round, 113th Overall (2023)

Signed: 

OHL Career Stats: 88 GP, 23G, 39A, 62 PTS, +7

Age: 21

After beginning the season with the ECHL’s Worcester Railers, where he recorded two points (1-1–2) in 12 games, Jesse Nurmi returned to the London Knights at the end of December and made an immediate impact. Despite appearing in nearly half as many games as the previous season, the Finnish forward matched his career high with 31 points (14-17–31) and put together an impressive 11-game point streak during the regular season. He is expected to begin the upcoming season with the relocated Hamilton Hammers of the AHL.

 

Isaiah George (D) – London Knights (2021-24)

Selected: 4th Round, 98th Overall (2022)

Signed: 

OHL Career Stats: 189 GP, 19 G, 56 A, 75 PTS, +72

Age: 22

Isaiah George spent the majority of the season with the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders, recording 18 points (2-16–18) in 47 regular-season games. He also appeared in four games with the New York Islanders, registering his first NHL point with an assist, and is expected to compete for a full-time roster spot this fall.

 

Tomorrow on OHL In The System: We’ll take a look at the OHL talent inside the Anaheim Ducks organization.