DENVER - Former University of Denver star forward Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach, Calif.) will make his NHL debut tonight for the New York Islanders at Nashville.

Rakhshani earned the promotion to the Islanders after leading the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers with 24 points (10g, 14a) in 27 games.

As team captain in 2009-10, Rakhshani guided the Pioneers to their 12th WCHA championship and third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Rakhshani earned All-America honors and was a Hobey Baker Award Top-10 finalist after leading Denver in scoring with 50 points (21g, 29a). Rakhshani captured the WCHA scoring title with 35 points (20g, 15a) in 28 league games.

Rakhshani finished his four-year career tied for 18th on Denver's all-time scoring list with 151 points on 60 goals and 91 assists in 156 career games. He signed a professional contract with the Islanders on March 31, 2010.