Dufour called up by Islanders

New York Islanders

On the same night the Shawinigan Cataractes make their first visit to Saint John since last year's Memorial Cup, William Dufour could make his National Hockey League debut with the New York Islanders.

Dufour, according to NHL.com, is "projected" to make his debut tonight when the Islanders host the Boston Bruins at 8:30 p.m. Atlantic.

The 20-year-old practiced on New York's top line with Josh Bailey and Mathew Barzal on Wednesday morning.

🎥 William Dufour Pregame Media Availability 🎥 pic.twitter.com/YARbJw5ySq

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 18, 2023

"What I've seen and what I've heard is he just continues to develop and grow," Islanders head coach Lane Lambert told NHL.com. "He's a big body who shoots the puck well. He's had a great year, for sure, if you look at the calendar year. He's had a lot of success and that breeds confidence. He's playing well in Bridgeport."

A fifth-round pick of the Islanders in the 2020 NHL Draft, Dufour has 13 goals and 12 assists in 25 American Hockey League games with the Bridgeport Islanders.

Not only does it look like William Dufour will make his NHL debut on Wednesday, it looks like he will start on a line with Mathew Barzal and Josh Bailey.

The 2020 fifth-round pick has 13 goals and 12 assists (25 points) in 37 AHL games this season. pic.twitter.com/qY7BA6u0QU

— Daily Faceoff - Fantasy (@DFOFantasy) January 18, 2023

Dufour recorded 56 goals and 116 points in 66 games with the Sea Dogs last season. He went on to register an impressive seven goals and eight points in four games at the Memorial Cup, being named tournament MVP. His most impressive performance came against the Cataractes when he registered four goals in a 5-3 win to advance Saint John into the championship game.

If he plays, Dufour would become the first member of Saint John's 2022 Memorial Cup championship team to appear in an NHL game.