With the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the New York Islanders took right-winger Simon Holmstrom Friday night in Vancouver. A natural goal scorer, the 6-foot-1 lefty is best known for his impressive release and dynamic ability to find open space on the ice.
“Our scouts were saying he has got a really good release, lots of quickness, really good hockey IQ,” coach Barry Trotz told NBCSN. “Hopefully he’ll be a good match when you’re watching him and [Mat] Barzal working together, hopefully they’ll play together someday.”
The 18-year-old started the 2018-19 season projected to be a high first-round pick, but injuries set off red flags and allowed him to slip. His injuries came in waves, including a hip surgery during this recent offseason, a broken thumb as well as a concussion. Holmstrom missed a lot of development time because of his time on the sidelines, but he caught the Isles’ attention anyways.
Holmstrom logged 21 games with HV71 in the SuperElite junior league in Sweden where he recorded 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists) and finished plus-seven. The Swede was a major asset during the playoffs, recording three points in the postseason run.
During the U18 World Championship, Holmstrom helped Team Sweden to a gold medal with six points through seven games (three goals, three assists).
The combination of solid puck-handling and creativity make Holmstrom an offensive weapon, but he’ll need to increase his durability and physicality before he’s an NHL-ready player. He fulfills the Isles need for a skater they can mold to fit their style of play.
Full List of Islanders’ 2019 NHL Draft Picks
Total picks: 5
Round 1, No. 23 overall
SIMON HOLMSTROM, RW, HV71 (SWE)
6-1, 192, 18
An offensively skilled player who competes hard. Holmström is a good skater and stands out with really good hands and impressive puckhandling skills. Quite shifty and a player that can do the unexpected offensively. Has a good wrister and his two-way game is underrated. Great character and team player.
Round 2, No. 57 overall (via CGY)
Round 5, No. 147 overall
Round 6, No. 178 overall
Round 7, No. 209 overall
