With their sixth-round selection in the 2024 NHL draft, the New York Islanders took a swing at a solid two-way Canadian defenseman, Xavier Veilleux. This pick is a solid choice for a late-round pick who could become an impactful bottom-pair defenseman in the NHL.

Veilleux will take some time to develop, as he played last season in the USHL before moving to the NCAA for likely three or more seasons. Veilleux committed to Cornell University, where he will play starting in the 2025-26 season. Veilleux played with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the 2024-25 season, and in 61 games, he produced 41 points (eight goals and 33 assists). Additionally, he did a good job keeping points off the board against a strong USHL team that just got stronger after adding Carolina Hurricanes 2025 second-round (62nd overall) pick forward Ivan Ryabkin. Veilleux won the defenseman of the week award once in the 2024-25 season and will look to build on a successful USHL season, taking that success to the NCAA level. His hockey IQ could offer some upside in the NHL.