Kashawn Aitcheson ready to turn heads at Islanders training camp

While Matthew Schaefer was putting together a Calder Trophy-winning rookie season with the Islanders, fans were also keeping a close eye on fellow defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, another of the team’s three first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Aitcheson’s final season of junior hockey was an impressive one.

The 19-year-old captained the Barrie Colts to the Ontario Hockey League Finals while leading all OHL defensemen during the regular season with 28 goals and 70 points.

He added eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points in 19 playoff games and became Barrie’s all-time leading scorer among defensemen while setting the franchise’s single-season goals record for a defenseman.

The left-handed blueliner also established himself as a physical presence, routinely delivering some of the biggest hits in junior hockey.

Now, Aitcheson is ready to compete for a job with the Islanders as training camp gets underway this week.

“It’s definitely super exciting,” said Aitcheson last week at Islanders Rookie Camp. “I had a pretty good year with Barrie last year going on a good run. I just try to go out there and do the best that I can, help the team in any way whether that’s scoring goals, a big hit, creating plays, or playing good defensively. I feel like I just try to do any of that…whatever the game needs.”

“You try not to look at the numbers or how many people are in front of you, behind you, or whatever it is,” said Aitcheson, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders in March.

“You just focus on yourself. We’re all a team here at the end of the day and all hope for the best for each other. It’s a healthy competition. You give your best, they give their best, and you see what happens.”

An NHL opportunity may not be there when the season begins, but Aitcheson could earn a promotion during the year through his play in Hamilton or if injuries create an opening.

Islanders’ new AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Hammers, unveiled their jerseys.

📸: Hamilton Hammers pic.twitter.com/7iJsDYLUgC

— Greater Long Island (@Greater_LI) July 7, 2026

With the Islanders continuing to work younger, faster players into the lineup while competing for a playoff spot, there could be a pathway for Aitcheson to make his way to Long Island.

The Islanders earned a 5-4 overtime win Sunday in New Jersey before falling 4-3 in a shootout Tuesday on Long Island.

When Islanders training camp begins, Aitcheson will turn his attention to learning from DeBoer.

“He’s proven himself to being a really good coach,” said Aitcheson. “He’s had a lot of success so I’m super-excited just to learn from him and just try to be a sponge and get better every day.”

For Aitcheson, steady improvement throughout training camp and the season in Hamilton could be the next step toward reaching the NHL.

And if his final junior season was any indication, Islanders fans may not have to wait too long to see him on Long Island.