Final Mock Draft: Islanders Select Kevin Korchinski at 13

To trade the 13th overall pick or to not trade the 13th overall pick, that is the question. Then again, does New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello already have a decision made? Is there a trade lined up?

I stand by my belief that if the New York Islanders want to improve their roster via a trade, this first-round selection should be moved. But if the Islanders do select at 13 and throughout the draft (13, 65, 78, 142, 174), it could benefit their prospect pool, which, per The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, ranks 31st out of 32–not great.

The 2022 NHL Draft begins Thursday, July 7 at the Bell Centre, the home of the Montreal Canadiens.

Our NHL Draft expert, Marco D’Amico of Montreal Hockey Now has shared his picks for the first two rounds. Here’s who he has going to the New York Islanders.

At no. 13, the Islanders select left-handed defenseman from the WHL, Kevin Korchinski. At no. 65, the Islanders select right-handed centerman Ryan Greene.

Kevin Korchinski

Kevin Korchinski, 18, is a puck-moving defenseman that stands at 6’2 and weighs 185 lbs. The Saskatoon native played his junior hockey in the WHL as a member of the Seattle Thunderbirds, just like New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal.

Korchinski is one of three Thunderbirds who were invited to Canada’s 2022-23 National Junior Team Summer Camp.

“Once he fills out, I think his defending will become more effective and he can hold his own better along the walls and in the tough areas of the ice,” The Daily Faceoff’s Chris Peters said on Korchinski in an article for NBC Sports. “Either way, a 6-foot-2 defenseman with fluid mobility and skills is an especially enticing option in the top half of the first round. I think he’s got a great shot to be a top-four guy down the line.”

This past season, 2021-22, was Korchinski’s first full year with Seattle. In 67 games, the young defenseman notched four goals and 61 assists (65 points) in 67 games played. His 65 points ranked fourth in the WHL amongst defensemen, ranking second in assists.

Marc D’Amico stated that Korchinski’s “presence on the blueline capable of enabling rapid breakouts and sustainable offensive pressure”, which is something the New York Islanders are lacking, in their prospect pool as well as at the NHL level.

FACT: Kevin Korchinski's second goal of the night marks the @SeattleTbirds 10th power play goal in just three #WHLPlayoffs games!#NHLDraft | #SEAvsKEL pic.twitter.com/gQFbPUlEuR

— The WHL (@TheWHL) April 27, 2022

TSN’s Bob Mackenzie has Kevin Korchinski ranked 11th, while TSN’s Craig Button ranks him 10th. Elite Prospects has him ranked 19th.

"It'll be really special"

You aren't just watching the #NHLDraft this year Kevin!

Get to know a bit more about D-man Kevin Korchinski before the NHL Draft this Thursday and Friday! pic.twitter.com/ntnukb3cYO

— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) July 6, 2022

Ryan Greene

Ryan Greene, a native of Paradise, Newfoundland (CAN) has been playing in the United States Hockey League as a member of the Green Bay Gamblers since 2019. For the 2022-23 season, the 18-year-old center is heading to Boston University. After the draft he will be heading to BU, to work with the Terriers strength and conditioning coach, as well as cracking open the books.

In 74 regular-season games with Green Bay, Greene tallied 34 goals with 52 assists. In two playoff games, Greene was held without a point.

This past season, 2021-22, Greene notched career-highs in goals (19), assists (32) and points (51). He led Green Bay in assists and points.

Per The Salt Wire, Greene met with 27 teams at the 2022 NHL Draft Combine, which took place from May 30 to June 4 in Buffalo, New York. Don’t let the fact that Greene grew up a Flyers fan sway your opinion on the player. The Flyers, who he interviewed with, do not hold a second-round pick but have their third-round pick, no. 68, just three picks after the New York Islanders.

He is a 200-foot centerman who likes to play fast.

At the combine, he compared himself to Calgary Flames forward Elias Lindholm and Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom.

“I’ve just said I really like watching Elias Lindholm on Calgary. He’s a great player and I’ve gotten to watch a lot of video and a lot of Calgary’s games this year,” Greene said. “Yeah, players that vision usually drives their game are the guys that I like to watch the most. “I’ve always been a player that likes to play smart and use my head to make plays and make the right plays. My vision is probably my best strength.”

Greene, who stands at 6’1, weight 174, has to still grow into his body.

TSN’s Bob Mackenzie ranked Greene 59th overall, while Elite Prospects has him at 90. He comes in as the 46th-ranked North American skater, per NHL Central Scouting.