As we inch closer to the 2024 NHL Draft, The Hockey News will be diving into prospect options for the New York Islanders to select at No. 20.
Now, on day four of our series, we turn our attention to left-shot forward Andrew Basha.
See prior articles on Michael Hage , Adam Jiříček , and Sacha Boisvert .
The Calgary native Basha scored 30 goals with 55 assists for 85 points with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
In five playoff games, Basha scored five points (three goals, two assists) as the Tigers were bounced out in the first round.
He finished third in overall team scoring behind projected 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna and Oasiz Wiesblatt.
Fellow 2024 top prospect Cayden Lindstrom also played for the Tigers alongside Basha but was largely injured.
Basha’s game starts with carrying the puck. He excels at skating, stickhandling, and maintaining possession.
According to EliteProspects , Basha enters the offensive zone and attracts defenders before looking for “outlets” among teammates.
Basha’s quick acceleration and ability to blow by defenders make him a great forward in transition play, and his top-end vision and intelligence allow him to be an elite playmaker.
While he may not have an elite shot, his on-ice awareness gives him easy rebounds and tap-ins.
Scouts and organizations generally rank Basha in the low-to-mid 20s, though a few rank him in the second round.
He will likely be available for the Islanders at pick No. 20, as he isn’t a center—a rare position in this draft.
Few scouts seem to be unusually high on Basha, which should work out well for the Islanders if they want to pick him.
Why would Basha be a good option for the Islanders?
Basha has a high upside without being a risky pick.
If his playmaking and finishing touch do not translate to higher levels, Basha still has the skating and physicality to be a strong forechecker, according to EliteProspects .
Yes, a first-round pick would ideally turn into a top-six forward, but unlike other forwards in the draft, Basha has a strong floor.
A common criticism of the Islanders over the past few years is that they’ve grown slower and older.
General manager Lou Lamoriello already took steps to rectify this by signing Kyle MacLean to a three-year deal on Wednesday, but Basha would provide energy along with a higher ceiling for offense.
Related: Islanders Sign Kyle MacLean To Three-Year Contract
His elite transition play would add a new element to the organization, as few Islanders prospects or even players outside of Mat Barzal possess a similar skillset to the Calgarian.
Though he may not be the best finisher, Basha has all the makings of a speedy, playmaking winger who can carry the puck through the neutral zone.
For a team mostly lacking in those areas, Basha presents an excellent option.
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