Throughout the New York Islanders' history, the draft has been the most effective way for the team to acquire talent. Some of the best players in franchise history, like Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy, and Brent Sutter, were all selected by the Islanders in the draft. Without drafting these players, they wouldn't have anywhere near the success they've had. There would be no early '80s dynasty, and no deep playoff runs during the late 2010s and early 2020s.
While the Islanders have hit on many draft picks, there have been many times when they swung and missed on picks.