Finley signs entry-level contract with New York Islanders
April 15, 2026 | Men's Hockey
2022 third-round pick turns pro after his junior season
MADISON, Wis. – Forward Quinn Finley is turning pro after his junior year with the Badgers, signing a two-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders that begins with the 2026-27 season, the franchise announced on Wednesday.
The Suamico, Wisconsin, native was selected by the Islanders in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft at No. 78 overall.
"It means the world," Finley beamed. "The work kind of starts now, as my dad said. You have to bring your game up to the next level and be ready to go.
"When I first came to Wisconsin, I came here to develop, mature and grow my game. I think being here helped my game tremendously. Being with Coach Hastings the last three years, I thought I grew in parts of my game that are needed at the next level.
"I'm super fortunate to sign with New York. I've dreamed of this as a kid."
Finley finished his junior season with 17 goals and 33 points in 37 games played, leading the team in goals and ranking second in points, as well as tying for second with three game-winning goals and four power-play goals.
Across 110 career NCAA games played in three years as a Badger, the forward recorded 47 goals, 89 points, 12 power-play goals and six game-winning tallies.
In the 2026 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament regionals, Finley led all skaters with five points in two games, helping the Badgers to a national title game appearance and earning Worcester Regional All-Tournament Team honors. The forward was also named to the preseason All-Big Ten team, as well as earning a Hobey Baker Memorial Award fan vote nominee nod and a Big Ten Star of the Week in December.
As a sophomore in 2024-25, the junior led the team with a career-high 20 goals and 20 assists for 40 points, becoming the first Badger skater to reach the 20-goal, 40-point mark since Cole Caufield in 2021. The Academic All-Big Ten skater was also a Hobey Baker fan vote nominee as a sophomore, earning two Big Ten Stars of the Week, an All-Big Ten Second-Team Selection and Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off Most Outstanding Forward honors.
During his freshman year, Finley tallied 10 goals and 16 points to rank third among UW freshmen in scoring, earning a Tim Taylor Rookie of the Year watch list nod.
Before starting his collegiate career, Finley skated for the USHL's Madison Capitols from 2021-23, as well as the Chicago Steel in 2020-21 and 2022-23.
The forward is also accomplished on the international stage, earning a spot on the U.S. Collegiate Selects team at the 2025 Spengler Cup, tallying two goals and five points in four tournament games played to help the team to a second-place finish. He also helped Team USA to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well as skating for the United States at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, tallying two goals and six points en route to a first-place finish.
"I love my time here. I love being a Badger," Finley said. "It is the best three years of my life and I have some friends for life.
"I want to say thanks to everyone. When the fans are cheering, even when the announcer says my name and Suamico a little louder, I'm so appreciative. I love Madison. It holds a special place in my heart. I'm going to love coming back and seeing the boys and seeing and skating with them in the summer. This place is one of one. There's no other place like it. You can truly get better and have fun doing it."
