SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - JULY 23: A general view of the draft board from the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at the NHL Network studios on July 23, 2021 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The New York Islanders probably didn’t know what to expect come their first pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, which wasn’t until late into the second round. The Isles had to be thrilled that center Aatu Raty was still on the board.
With the trade deadline deal with the Devils that brought Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac to the Island, the New York Islanders were looking for the best player available come their first-pick the 52nd overall.