Top prospects for New York Islanders

After years of being mired at or near the bottom of the NHL standings, the New York Islanders have made strides in recent years, none bigger than last season, when they won a series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 1993.

A good portion of the Islanders’ recent success can be attributed to their young core, which is led by captain John Tavares, the No. 1 pick at the 2009 NHL Draft. But more help is still on the way for the Islanders, who are hoping to take another step this season.

Here are the Islanders’ top five prospects, according to NHL.com:

1. Mathew Barzal, C How acquired: Selected with No. 16 pick in 2015 NHL Draft Last season: Seattle (WHL): 58 GP, 27-61-88

Barzal, 19, was so impressive during training camp last season, he nearly made the Islanders roster before they ultimately decided to send him back to Seattle of the Western Hockey League for more seasoning.

The decision is expected to be even more difficult this time around. Islanders coach Jack Capuano told NHL.com he wouldn’t rule out Barzal (6-foot, 182 pounds) making the jump this season.

“I would never say never with any of these guys,” Capuano said. “It’s a competition. He’s working extremely hard. He wants to come in and earn a spot, and that’s the focus he should have. He should come in here and want to make our team.”

Barzal would seem to have little left to prove in juniors; in three seasons with Seattle, he has 199 points (53 goals, 146 assists) in 161 games, an average of 1.24 points per game.

Projected arrival: This season

2. Ilya Sorokin, G How acquired: Selected with No. 78 pick in 2014 NHL Draft Last season: CSKA Moscow (KHL): 28 GP, …

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