Islanders Have First Pick In NHL Draft

The New York Islanders are set to make the first pick in the NHL draft Friday night in Los Angeles. New general manager Mathieu Darche, just a month into his role, looks forward to landing a cornerstone player to help rebuild after the team missed the playoffs twice in four years. Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is widely expected to go first. The San Jose Sharks hold the second pick, followed by Chicago, Utah, and Nashville. This year’s draft pool is strong but lacks a standout star. The Islanders last picked first in 2009 when they selected John Tavares.