Ruslan Iskhakov has decided to leave the University of Connecticut and turn pro, but it won’t be with the New York Islanders. The 19-year old forward has signed a one-year contract in Finland, where he will play for TPS.
Iskhakov was originally selected by the Islanders 43rd overall in 2018 after completely dominating minor hockey in Slovakia (he scored 104 points in 44 games during the 2016-17 season) and showing well in the Russian MHL. Despite his small frame he also found success at the college level, recording 42 points in 64 games over two seasons.
It’s very interesting that he is pursuing his professional career in Finland, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he won’t come to the Islanders eventually. For now, they’ll have to watch his development from afar and try to convince him to join their organization down the road.