Told that the Sound Tigers will shortly announce a two-year AHL contract for Matt Carkner, who’ll be a veteran presence on what’s otherwise again a very young defense.
Arthur Staple also reports that Kevin Poulin has re-signed.
–The Islanders confirmed Poulin at about 5 p.m.
In chats, in emails, in DMs, talking to people about Carkner’s signing, it seemed one of us always came around to Mark Wotton. A veteran guy, signing a multi-year AHL deal, a leader in the room and on the ice.
“His presence is key to the success of our team, his leadership, his experience, what he’s gone through,” Brent Thompson said (BTW, Wotton’s name never came up with him). “He’s played at all levels, started in the minors, battled his way to the NHL, and once he got there, battled to stay there.”