Kashawn Aitcheson was pure value at No, 17. His love of open ice hitting is going to make him a fan favorite from the second he joins the organization, and he’s a brilliant complement to Schaefer, who plays a more positional, control style game. There’s a very real chance Schaefer and Aitcheson can be a top line pairing for the next decade.

Islanders GM and EVP Mathieu Darche is “beyond excited” winger Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson were available

In addition to No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, New York made back-to-back selections Friday after trading defenseman Noah Dobson.