Islanders impressed by former Tigers
Though the NHL began Wednesday night and the New York Islanders submitted their season-opening roster and taxi squad, those who didn’t make it aren’t technically Bridgeport Sound Tigers just yet, the Islanders said.
The Islanders don’t have to send players officially to their AHL affiliate until Jan. 20, general manager Lou Lamoriello said Wednesday afternoon after the team released a roster with 13 active forwards and eight defensemen. Three forwards and a goalie are on the taxi squad, an addition for this pandemic season of four to six players who’ll remain with the NHL team but off the NHL roster.
An AHL training camp is expected to begin sometime next week, but details are to be determined as the Sound Tigers prepare for a shortened 20th season.
The Islanders, who open their season Thursday in Manhattan against the rival New York Rangers, have left themselves flexibility to move players between the active roster and the taxi squad, and those who weren’t named to either opening-day list remain candidates as well.
“The good thing about it is we’ve got some choices. We put ourselves in a place to be flexible with those choices,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said.
“I’m really happy with some of the young guys, the strides they’ve made. You’re going to see some of the young guys in the lineup in the future here, if not (Thursday) night.”
Second-year forward Oliver Wahlstrom was on the NHL roster with thirdyear forward Kieffer Bellows on the taxi squad. Their status could change as soon as Thursday.
“I’m not in a bad spot with either of them. I think you’re going to see both of them,” Trotz said.
“I think they bring similar but different aspects. Both have the ability to score goals. Both have the ability to create some of that offense.”
Defenseman Thomas Hickey and forward Leo Komarov are both on the opening roster though both veterans cleared waivers. Forward Michael Dal Colle is on injured reserve. Forwards Otto Koivula and Austin Czarnik joined Bellows on the taxi squad along with young goalie Jakub Skarek, a spot that likely eventually goes to veteran Cory Schneider. Schneider will have to clear waivers when his contract is ultimately filed.
Veteran forward Andrew Ladd was probably the most prominent name who didn’t appear on either list.
The AHL hasn’t yet released a regular-season schedule. Bridgeport isn’t expecting to have fans in the stands, so the schedule could look very different than the normal weekend heavy slate.
The Sound Tigers are in a division with only the Providence Bruins (who’ll be playing out of Marlborough, Mass.) and the Hartford Wolf Pack and don’t seem likely to play any other teams.