Finley signed a two-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders in April 2026. His deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $980K and runs through the 2027-28 season. Finley scored 17 goals and totaled 33 points in 37 games for Wisconsin (NCAA) as he continued to develop at the college level. The 21-year-old is likely bound for the inaugural season of the Hamilton Hammers (AHL) if he can’t steal a bottom-six roster spot in the Islanders lineup this fall.

Finley had a good 2024-25 season with Wisconsin in the NCAA. The 20-year-old has produced at over a point-per-game pace and leads the Badgers with 40 points (20 goals and 20 assists) in only 37 games. Last season was a prove-it year for the sophomore, and he has done just that. He has looked dynamic and shown a lot of skill, as he is constantly involved in the offense. The left-wing Islanders’ prospect has taken a massive step forward in his sophomore season for Wisconsin and is flashing real potential, giving Islanders fans and fantasy managers something to look forward to and bringing a little more life to their prospect pool.

Finley will flank fellow Islanders draft pick Danny Nelson on the left side of the fourth line on USA’s 2024 World Junior roster. The former 2022 third-round pick has five goals and two assists during his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin.

Finley is more of a long-term project. Still, as he is committed to playing college hockey next season for the University of Wisconsin, that shouldn’t be a problem for the Islanders’ brass. His best asset is his shot, and his scoring this season seems to have caught up with the talent level. He’s probably a long shot to play in the top six at the NHL level, but he could be a third-line goal scorer who gets some time on the power play.

The speedy winger would have posted better stats and might have gone higher than 79th overall had he not suffered a broken collarbone in November, which sidelined him for almost three months in his draft year. Once he regained game shape, he displayed his skill at playmaking and scoring. And, of course, his superior skating allows him to elude would-be checkers and to forecheck effectively. After a 12-goal, 39-point second USHL schedule, he added five goals and five assists in 14 post-season appearances. He was the first player taken in 2020’s USHL futures draft. Also of interest to scouts: Finley was once named USHL forward of the week. He is, however, hardly a finished product. He must be more consistent defensively and add strength and weight, which are common issues for players his age (just 17). Getting more assertive would help him to win more puck battles. He should learn a lot by playing for the U of Wisconsin.