VANCOUVER – Lou Lamoriello worked the floor and his cellphone in the hours preceding Friday night’s first round of the NHL Draft at Rogers Arena, talking with executives from several teams as the Islanders’ contingent gathered around the team’s table.
But the Islanders president and general manager made no immediate moves. The Islanders retained their pick at No. 23 and went somewhat off the board from most mock drafts by picking Swedish forward Simon Holmstrom.
Holmstrom is a 6-1, 185-pound, left-shooting wing with strong skating ability, per scouting reports. He’s been somewhat injury plagued the last two seasons with hip and thumb issues.