Islanders Make Many Cuts

Islanders Make Big Cuts; Assign Many To Bridgeport

Players Cut:

C. Sean Backman (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He had a decent camp, but he was one of the more unsurprising cuts. This will only be his 2nd year of pro-hockey so it will be interesting to see his performance now that he knows what to expect. I don't think he will see any NHL time this season though.

C. Casey Cizikas (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He really impressed me throughout training camp, but I think he needs at least a year in the AHL before being a serious contender for an NHL job. He could possibly see limited NHL time as a call-up.

LW. Justin DiBenedetto (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  The Islanders coaching staff thought very long and hard about what to do with Justin DiBenedetto. Islanders management love him, and they think he will be a 4th line agitator for the Isles as soon as next year. We will see him a bit this year.

C. Brett Gallant (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He has no NHL deal with the Islanders, so it was a "give-in" that he would be back in Bridgeport once training camp ended. I don't believe the Isles will give him an NHL contract.

LW. Tyler McNeely (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He played well during training camp, but it was expected that he would be cut from the beginning. After he plays a full season in the AHL, I think we will be able to more accurately judge his NHL potential.

C. Tony Romano (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He has struggled to put together even one full AHL season with success, so this cut was expected. He needs to have a good year or he can say goodbye to his dreams of an NHL career/

C. David Ullstrom (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He made a solid push during training camp, and the Isles management took note of his excellent shape he came into camp with. I think he will have a hell of a season with Bridgeport.

C. Micheal Haley (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  This has to be the biggest surprise cut of any the Islanders made this season. Haley established himself as a HUGE fan favorite last season, and to have him not start the season with the Isles is a major blow to those fans. I, along with many other Isles fans, would really like to see Haley re-called soon.

D. Calvin de Haan (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  This is good news…I was very worried that the Islanders were going to rush de Haan, and to hear that they are going to let him develop in Bridgeport a bit more is great. He will need at least one season in Bridgeport, but thats not to say he will not see NHL time this year because I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a few call-ups.

D. Matt Donovan (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He looked really good throughout training camp, and impressed me even more than de Haan. He looks like a keeper, but definitely needs some time in Bridgeport. He could see some NHL time.

D. Anton Klementyev (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  Anton thought he was going to push for an NHL job, but unfortunately, he was not nearly as close to making the cut as he thought. Never-the-less, he has got to play a solid and full, season down in Bridgeport if he wants to make the club.

D. Aaron Ness (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He looked good in his pre-season time, and during drills throughout camp. He worked hard and played well, but he is a bit raw in his own end. A full-year down in Bridgeport will do him good and will make him a contender for an NHL job next year.

D. Benn Olsen (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He has no NHL contract, and looked unimpressive in camp. His return to Bridgeport was inevitable.

G. Mikko Koskinen (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He did not play well in camp, I think he will end up being loaned out to some team in the ECHL.

G. Anders Nilsson (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  His first season in North America will be a good one. I expect him to do great, but it will take him a few months to get fully accustomed to the North American rinks.

G. Kevin Poulin (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He will get a lot of starts and I fully expect him to continue his great success that he had last year. The Islanders believe he is the goalie of the future for their organization.