The Islanders made their first big set of cuts today, leaving themselves at 44 with Kyle Burroughs also on waivers to make it 43. Sent down were most of Bridgeport’s AHL contracts who were in NHL camp; the only ones remaining up top are forward Ben Holmstrom and goalie Jeremy Smith. The 18 players who were sent down join Josh Holmstrom as those expected in Bridgeport camp, plus surely a few tryouts to come.
The 18 include two holdovers from rookie camp through the first week of main camp, forward Ivan Kosorenkov and goalie Evan Buitenhuis. They’re both on tryouts with Bridgeport.
Meanwhile, the Islanders haven’t officially announced tonight’s lineup in Bridgeport, but Andrew Gross assembled what he’s thinking. The Rangers put out their 20. Greenwich-tied Kevin Shattenkirk makes his preseason debut after last year’s knee surgery.
From yesterday, Casey Bailey is off to the KHL, joining HC Slovan Bratislava.
And from today, Danick Martel gets claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay, swiping him away from Philly and the Phantoms.