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Weird Islanders: The Podcast! – Episode 54 – Aatu Räty (with guest Jake from Skates at the Stakes)

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From a draft steal to a “lose-lose” trade that ended up being a “win-win-win” trade for (almost) everyone.

Joined by frequent prospect watcher Jake from the Skates at the Stakes podcast, we remember Aatu Räty’s surprise drafting and splashy debut for the Islanders before he became part of a massive trade.

Once expected to be a Top 10 pick, Räty’s stock dropped precipitously in his draft year and he fell to the Islanders in the second round, which seemed like a steal at the time. Scoring a goal in his first NHL game only reinforced that idea. But about a month later, he was included in a deal for All Star Bo Horvat that launched a thousand awful hot takes that have only gotten more laughable over time.

Jake tells us what drove him to watching prospects, what his thoughts on Räty were at the time of his drafting and his trade away and just how likely it is that the forward finds another new home at some point. Plus, Mike makes a bold predication we’ll have to keep an eye on (possibly many years into the future).

Thanks again to Jake for coming on and remember to listen to he, AJ and Ryan (now all Weird Islanders: The Podcast! guests) on the Skates at the Stakes podcast.

Note: This episode was recorded before the season began. Räty made the Canucks roster out of camp but was assigned to Abbotsford of the AHL on Oct. 16.

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL!

  • At one point seen as a first round talent, Raty’s draft year saw his stock plunge and his joy for the game lost.
  • The Islanders didn’t have a first round pick in 2021, but were happy to take Raty with their first pick in the second round. At the time, this was considered somewhat of a steal.
  • After a disjointed but not altogether terrible season in his native Finland (under Jukurit coach and fellow Weird Islander Olli Jokinen), Raty was brought over and assigned to Bridgeport. He ended up scoring the goal that sent the Baby Isles to the second round for the first time since 2003.

What makes a “Weird Islander?”

We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:

  • Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
  • Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.

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