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The New York Islanders have secured the services of defenseman Vladimir Dravecky, signing him to a three-year entry-level contract. The 18-year-old was originally selected by the Islanders in the fifth round, 141st overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The signing comes on the heels of the Islanders' 5-2 defeat to the New York Rangers in the Battle of New York on October 7. Dravecky spent the 2025-26 season with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League, where he recorded 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 58 games. He also contributed 11 assists in the postseason, helping Brantford reach the Eastern Conference Final.
"It's huge because that's a dream come true," Dravecky told NHL.com about joining the Islanders franchise. "Being drafted by this organization means a lot and I just appreciate it .. I just want to have fun here and enjoy as much as I can."
The Czech defenseman made his preseason NHL debut and recorded one assist. As of press time, he has added four points in four OHL games with Guelph this season. Dravecky has represented Czechia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2025 Under-18 World Championship, earning silver medals at both tournaments.
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Hamilton Hammers Head Coach Jay McKee, who coached Dravecky in Brantford last season, praised his intensity and offensive abilities. "Vlad is a very highly skilled offensive-minded defenseman," McKee said. "He's one of the best practice players I've ever coached or even played with. He's intense. He does everything with a purpose, snaps his passes; he's got an active stick. He's a very, very talented player."
Prior to his OHL stint, Dravecky made his Swedish Hockey League debut at 17 and played the 2024-25 season with Rögle BK in Sweden, tallying 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 37 games with the club's junior team. He also participated in Rookie Camp with the Islanders this year, skating alongside 2025 first-round pick Kashawn Aitcheson.
The Islanders and their defensemen will look to bounce back from the loss to the Rangers when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at UBS Arena on October 8, with puck drop slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern.