Exclusive: Islanders’ First-Rounder Kashawn Aitcheson Talks Physical Edge, Leadership & Development
EAST MEADOW, NY --During Day Two of New York Islanders Rookie Camp, it was hard not to notice No. 17 overall pick Kashawn Aitcheson. His cross-overs were sharp. His shot was on the money. And you could see his excitement once the physical drills were introduced.
Video Transcript
Honestly, I can't say enough good things about Matty Schafer.
Like he is, we know what he is on the ice, even though it was an abbreviated draft eligible season, just a legitimately wonderful human.
Like I got to spend time with him throughout the year last year, even going back to his draft minus 1 of the 182, and he is humble and gracious and thoughtful.
And, you know, I saw him probably like an hour after he broke his collarbone at the World Juniors, just in the bowels of the rink there in Ottawa.
And, you know, he still managed to be like, you know what, it's all good.
I'll be back.
Like, he wasn't down, he wasn't broken.
I was trying to imagine myself in that situation.
I'd be heartbroken, right?
Like your chance to win gold, your draft eligible season, like everything's kind of on the line there and you know, he still managed to find a positive spin on it too.
So I think that this is not only going to be a highly impactful player for, you know, hopefully a decade plus on the island, but someone that you can really build your organization around and someone that maybe could have their, you know, number in the rafters one day and do great charity work in the community and just that all encompassing person that you desire.
And that's why I do think it was a no-brainer at the top for the house.
