Islanders sign Kashawn Aitcheson to entry-level contract
A punishing and talented blueliner has inked his first NHL contract.
On Tuesday, the New York Islanders announced that the team has signed defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal is set to begin with the 2026-27 season.
#Isles News: The New York Islanders announced today that the club has signed defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Financial terms of the contract have yet to be disclosed. Aitcheson will remain with the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Aitcheson was taken by the Islanders in the first round, 17th overall, of the 2025 NHL Draft. He jumped on multiple teams’ radars thanks to his ability to be a physical presence on the back end, with a knack for producing on the offensive end as well.
The Toronto native is in his fourth season with the Colts, and his game has developed into one of the best two-way defenders in the league. After posting an exceptional 59 points in his draft year, Aitcheson has had a career-best campaign. In 54 games, he has scored 28 goals and 42 assists for 70 points, all career highs. He has captained Barrie to a Central Division title, as the Colts are expected to make a deep run in the OHL Playoffs.
So far, Aitcheson has posted 63 goals and 108 assists for 171 points in 205 regular-season games in the OHL, while amassing 335 penalty minutes. He’s also scored 16 points in 26 playoff games.
On top of his work in junior hockey, Aitcheson has seen notable time in the international ranks. He helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, along with the bronze medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship this past January.
Daily Faceoff prospect Steven Ellis expert cites that Aticheson is a tough customer to deal with.
“He’s built like a tank,” Ellis wrote. “That’s why many think he won’t have much to worry about when he adjusts to the pro game. He’s absolutely fearless and has little regard for his safety at times – and that’s just the physical adjustment. Up top, scouts think he has above-average hockey sense, and he’s getting better at managing the game under pressure.”