Prospect Report: Räty Time, Dufour Shining, Future Outlook

The New York Islanders practiced today in Raleigh, North Carolina, ahead of their contest with the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. So, with no game today, we focused on two New York Islanders prospects in forwards Aatu Räty and William Dufour.

Aatu Räty, 52nd Overall in 2021 NHL Draft

On April 6, New York Islanders 52nd overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Level, Aatu Räty, and his team Jukurit (Liiga, Finnish League) came up short in the first round of their postseason, with a Game 7 loss to Kookoo. Räty had just two assists in seven games, but during the regular season showed why he could be a potential gem for the New York Islanders.

At 19-years old, in the most competitive league in Finland, Aatu Räty had 13 goals and 27 assists, good for 40 points in 41 games played. He started the 2021-22 campaign with Karpat but was dealt to Jukurit after just one assist in six games to kick off the season.

Räty had been a member of Karpat since 2019 but never played to expectation, with just 11 points in a total of 53 games.

Coincidentally or not, his first two seasons came during the COVID-19 outbreak, and his lack of production may have had a lot to do with it. Now we know what happens when you assume, but it’s clear that Räty was better than what he showed over that two-year period.

Looking back on the 2021 NHL Draft, Aatu Räty could be the biggest steal.

Not to mention, at the World Junior Showcase that summer, Räty put up six goals and eight assists in six games with Finland.

With Raty’s season done, he can come over to North America and adapt to the game on that side of the pond. Although he could technically play for the New York Islanders this season, it is way more likely that he gets a few games in with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL. Bridgeport has seven games left in their regular season and are fighting for a playoff spot.

But Raty will be in playing for Bridgeport in 2022-23 as his journey to the NHL continues. And he would more than likely be the New York Islanders first call-up if a center is needed.

Aatu Räty signed a three-year entry-level contract (ELC) worth $2.775 million upon being drafted. If he plays nine games or fewer with the New York Islanders over the length of his deal, another year will be added to his ELC.

William Dufour, 152nd Overall in 2020 NHL Draft

What a season 20-year old forward William Dufour is having in the QMJHL with the St. John Sea Dogs. It’s been a legendary season, as Dufour has scored 48 goals in 55 games, with 50 assists for 98 points. His 55 goals and counting has already set a Sea Dogs franchise record, which had previously been set by Danick Gauthier (2011-12), who scored 47.

Dufour, a fifth-round selection, is tied for first in points in the QMJHL with Joshua Roy (150th overall in 2021, Canadiens) of the Sherbrooke Pheonix.

Just like Rty could potentially be the steal of the 2021 draft, William Dufour could hold the same value.

Dufour started to figure things out in year three after not living up to expectations early on in his QMJHL career, being traded a few times after being selected 6th overall in the 2018 QMJHL Draft.

After 22 points in 31 games for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens to start the 2019-20 season, Dufour was dealt for the second time in his QMJHL career, landing with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. In 28 games, Dufour had 33 points with 18 goals and 15 assists.

That summer, he was drafted by the New York Islanders. Dufour has not signed his ELC yet, as the New York Islanders and general manager Lou Lamoriello are more likely waiting until after the Memorial Cup.

The St. John Sea Dogs have already clinched a playoff spot, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The Islanders have until June 1 to sign their prized possession, or they lose his rights.

Future Outlook

Both Aatu Räty and William Dufour have shown strong potential this year. But like many prospects, they are merely that until they show that their skill set can translate to the NHL game. For Raty, the fact that he had such a strong season in a top league in Europe bodes well for the 19-year old forward.

North American hockey will take some time to get used to, but if all goes well, he could get some NHL action in 2022-23. Looking into the future, he can be a strong no. 2 center at the NHL level.

For 20-year old William Dufour, his first season in the AHL will be rather significant.

We have seen countless players dominate in the QMJHL, but their success has stopped there. Dufour does not play against top-end competition like Räty or against players 10-plus years older than him. And that’s a big thing.

Without seeing him play anything but Juniors, Dufour could potentially be a solid third-line option for the New York Islanders.