New York Islanders prospect Aatu Räty is having a tremendous start to his 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship with Finland. In eight games, the 52nd overall pick back in 2021 has three goals and five assists and is showing to have been a steal in his draft year.
Although Aatu Räty making the New York Islanders out of training camp would be a mighty fine accomplishment for the young Finnish centerman, there’s no need to rush his development for a few reasons.
First off, there is not an immediate need for a centerman at the NHL level.
The New York Islanders currently have four centermen in Mathew Barzal, Brock Nelson, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Casey Cizikas, and that’s before Nazem Kadri comes aboard, if that signing comes to fruition.
Räty could make New York as the extra forward, but what good is that?
When Räty came over from Finland after his season with Jukurit ended, he played really well in Bridgeport. He only suited up for a total of eight games, two in the regular season and six in the postseason. That was his first taste of North American ice and although he played well, to jump from six games in the AHL to an everyday NHL role in a span of a few months is very unusual.
But the New York Islanders need scoring and the 6’2, 185 lb Räty could help jolt this offense.
