Colts star selected by Islanders in NHL Draft

Colts defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson speaks to the media after getting drafted by Islanders with 17th pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

Kashawn Aitcheson from the Barrie Colts is off to New York, as he was selected by the Islanders with the 17th pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft Friday night.

The 18-year-old defenceman totalled 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games with the Colts this past season.

He added six goals and 12 points during Barrie’s playoff run to the OHL Eastern Conference Final this spring, including the overtime winner in Game 5 of the second round against the Kingston Frontenacs.

At six-foot-one and 198 pounds, Aitcheson’s all-around blend of offence, defence, speed and physicality had him ranked as the 10th-to-20th best prospect in most pre-draft rankings.

The Toronto, Ont. native becomes the first Barrie Colt drafted in the top-20 since Brandt Clarke was selected by the LA Kings at 8th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Kevin Connolly, best known for his starring role in Entourage, announced Aitcheson’s selection at the draft podium in Los Angeles.

The Islanders acquired the 17th pick earlier in the day in a trade that sent defenceman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens.

Aitcheson was the third player drafted by the Islanders in Friday’s first round after they selected Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick and Victor Eklund with the 16th overall pick.

Evan Passmore, Aitcheson’s Colts teammate, was selected by the New York Rangers in the sixth round with the 171st overall pick.

Passmore, a six-foot-five, 210-pound righthanded blueliner totalled three goals and 11 points in 62 games this past season.

The Elmira, Ont. native suited up for all 16 Colts playoff games this past spring.