There are 68 players in Islanders training camp. Almost all of them are familiar in some way — from the NHL veterans to draft picks to younger guys that have at least had a spin or two around a prospect camp on Long Island or elsewhere.



All except one. Jan Kovar has spent a decade as a pro in his native Czech Republic and then the KHL, where he centered arguably the best line in Russia for five years. He’s taken the leap of faith to the NHL and the Islanders, hoping the enormous move will be more Artemi Panarin than Kirill Petrov for a man who hadn’t set foot in the U.S. until he arrived two weeks ago.



“It’s an outstanding signing for a couple reasons,” said Mike Pelino, the former Rangers assistant coach who was an assistant for Magnitogorsk Metallurg for Kovar’s entire five-season run there. “One, he’s a tremendous team player and guy and a really underrated talent. He might be a real pleasant surprise for...