The New York Islanders have selected Anthony Beauvillier of the Shawinigan Cataractes in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the 28th pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
The Islanders started the day off with no picks in the first round but ended the night with two selections in the Draft’s opening round. The Islanders acquired this pick, their second of the first round, from the Tampa Bay Lightning by sending the 33rd and 72nd picks of this year’s draft to Tampa.
Beauvillier is one of the smaller prospects, and was projected to go in the second round, but with his smaller size comes speed and agility which likely appealed to New York. Scouts praised Beauvillier’s vision on the ice and ability to make plays at full speed. The five-foot-ten forward was projected to slip into the second round in most scouting reports but managed to slide into the first round with two pics to spare.
Last season with the Cataractes, Beauvillier’s offensive power was on full display as he recorded 42 goals and 94 points in 67 games with Shawinigan. The Islanders traded up to grab Beauvillier at number 28 which should show they believe this offensive talent could transfer over into the big leagues.
[Related: Anthony Beauvillier’s Next Ones Profile]
New York has four more picks during this year’s Draft. The Islanders do not have a pick in the second round, but they do have the 21st pick in the third, fourth, sixth and seventh rounds, the 82nd, 112th, 172nd and 202nd overall respectively in the draft. It wouldn’t be surprising if Islanders General Manager, Garth Snow, remains active and tries to move into the second round tomorrow morning.
Make sure to keep an eye on THW’s NHL Draft Live Tracker and THW’s Deal Tracker for up to the minute info on the Draft, deals and signing going down.