2019 NHL Draft: New York Islanders select Samuel Bolduc, defenseman, at #57

With their second-round pick at 57th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders have selected defenseman Samuel Bolduc out of Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL, where he had nine goals and 28 assists in 65 games last season.

A left-shooter, Bolduc is listed at over 6’4 and around 210 lbs. He was ranked 68th on Bob McKenziie’s draft rankings for TSN, 97th at Future Considerations, and 42nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

The Laval, Quebec, native’s stock did rise over the course of the year, but any time a kid is drafted at this size, you hope his ceiling isn’t already reached thanks to being physically well ahead of slower developing peers.

The NHL official site has him admiring the play of Viktor Hedman and Kris Letang, after whom he wears #58. The Islanders site quoted him comparing his approach to Shea Theodore of Vegas.

Last Word on Hockey (ranking him 85th) had this to say:

Bolduc is a two-way defender. His skating and edgework are good and allow him to transition from defence to offence quickly. He makes a good first pass and starts the transition game. Bolduc battles hard in front of the net and in the corners. He is willing to put his body on the line to block shots. Bolduc has really improved his shot over the last year.

This follows Friday night’s selection of Swedish winger Simon Holmstrom (who chose “Lose Yourself” by Eminem as his walkup song) at 23. Here are the Islanders’ remaining picks, barring trades:

• 5th round: (147th)
• 6th round: (178th)
• 7th round: (209th)