2005-06 New York Islanders: Where Are They Now?

2005-06 New York Islanders: Where Are They Now? by J.A. Dominicis

Do the New York Islanders Have the Best Forwards in the NHL?

Do the New York Islanders Have the Best Forwards in the NHL? by J.A. Dominicis

Saying that the Islanders cut 21 players from their training camp on Saturday may seem pretty harsh because some players were just loaned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, but nonetheless the training camp has 21 less players now.

Eight players were placed on waivers, three were released from their PTOs and ten were assigned to Bridgeport. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Placed on Waivers

Taylor Beck- Beck had a decent shot at making the team as their 13th or 14th forward, but competition for those two positions seem to be pretty fierce. If he clears waivers (a big IF), he will be a decent asset for Bridgeport and a sure call-up at some point during the season.

Kevin Poulin- Thomas Greiss is the second-string goalie, therefore no room for Poulin. If clears, he still needs to fight Chris Gibson for the sterter’s job in Bridgeport.

James Wright- Only 25 and has over 100 games in the NHL, Wright may attract interest from other teams.

Justin Florek- Another borderline NHL player, Florek was signed as a free agent over the offseason and has played in the NHL playoffs before. Could be a call-up candidate if he clears.

Mike Halmo- The undrafted 24-year-old grinder could not find room on the Islanders with the likes of Cal Clutterbuck, Steve Bernier and Matt Martin taking up the role-playing spots.

Ben Holmstrom- A 28-year-old above-average AHLer who could help Bridgeport.

Bracken Kearns- A late-bloomer who is in his mid-30s, Kearns is a tough cookie coming off a year in Finland.

Joe Whitney- 27-year-old future call-up candidate if he clears.

Released From PTOs

Matt Carkner- Veteran defenceman who played with Bridgeport last year will likely play with them again this year.

Tyler Barnes- 25-year-old WCHA standout will hopefully find a home somewhere in the AHL, where he played some last year.

Parker Milner- Almost identical situation as Barnes.

Loaned to Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Kevin Czuczman

Chris Gibson

Ross Johnston

Carter Verhaeghe

Sebastian Collberg

Alan Quine

Matt Finn

Tom Nilsson

Jesse Graham

Loic Leduc

Most of the players loaned to Bridgeport are still young enough to prove that they can play in the NHL one day.

What do you think Islanders fans? Are these the right players they should have cut? Are there other players that should have been cut instead of them? Comment below!