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OHL coach says NY Islanders prospect has NHL ceiling few predicted before draft

The NY Islanders may have found a hidden gem in Vladimir Dravecky. His OHL coach sees top-four NHL potential and says the sky's the limit.

By Jiggs Westfall · Eyes on Isles

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 12:13 PM

Key Things to Know

Guelph Storm coach Ron Davison believes Islanders prospect Vladimir Dravecky has top-four NHL ceiling potential.
Selected in the 2026 fifth round, Dravecky regularly plays 23 to 24 minutes a night across all situations.
Davison likened Dravecky's puck-moving breakout ability in the OHL to that of NHL star Quinn Hughes.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Guelph Storm associate coach Ron Davison believes New York Islanders prospect Vladimir Dravecky has the potential to develop into a top-four NHL defenseman. Selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft, the young blueliner has quickly established himself as a focal point for his OHL team, logging 23 to 24 minutes per game across all situations.

Davison noted that Dravecky operates as a one-man breakout machine in junior hockey, likening that specific element of his game to Quinn Hughes. Coaches Davison and Dan Girardi are currently refining Dravecky's defensive positioning and strength as Guelph prepares to host the Memorial Cup.

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OHL coach says NY Islanders prospect has NHL ceiling few predicted before draft

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