New York Islanders
Islanders Waive Gauthier; Duclair Injury Minor? Fasching Coming Up?
The New York Islanders have placed Julien Gauthier on waivers. Gauthier, 27, played last night in his only game of the season. As a whole, he struggled and did not leave much of an impression. Gauthier made the roster out of camp as the 13th forward, while Hudson Fasching suffered an injury.
However, it might’ve been hard for Gauthier to get his feet under him after just a one-game sample in a game filled with special teams. The reasoning for Gauthier going down means a corresponding move is coming.
Duclair Injury Not as Serious as Feared?
Anthony Duclair suffered an undisclosed injury last night, seemingly to his right leg. He exited in the third period, unable to get up under his own power, and put no weight on his right leg at all. The assumption seemed to be that Duclair could be out for quite a while and be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
Placing Duclair on LTIR would allow the Islanders to recall any player they’d like from Bridgeport without worrying about the salary cap. With LTIR, it guarantees Duclair would miss the next 10 games minimum.
Duclair does not appear to be heading for the LTIR, though. Head Coach Patrick Roy indicated that he’ll provide an update at his next media availability.
Who Comes Up? Engvall? Fasching?
However, placing Gauthier on waivers indicates that is not the plan. Based on the cap situation, after sending Gauthier to Bridgeport (or if he gets claimed), the Islanders will have just a hair over $1 million in space. It doesn’t appear to be quite enough to bring up Pierre Engvall.
Additionally, the Bridgeport Islanders play today. The social media team for Bridgeport posted a photo of Engvall as he arrived ready to play. If the Islanders were going to recall Engvall, why would they potentially jeopardize his health by allowing him to play in an AHL game?
Bridgeport hosts the Hartford Wolfpack at 3 p.m. Sunday, and Hudson Fasching is not dressing for Bridgeport. Putting two and two together, and one can deduce that Fasching will be recalled to the NHL roster ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Potential Lineup Tuesday:
Factoring in all the potential roster churn, the potential forward lines for the Islanders on Tuesday against Detroit could look like this:
Holmstrom – Horvat – Barzal
Tsyplakov – Nelson – Palmieri
Lee – Pageau – Wahlstrom
Cizikas – MacLean – Fasching
So, here are some things to note. First, Simon Holmstrom gets the first crack at the top line with Duclair out. Holmstrom’s been strong to start the year defensively and off the puck, as the Islanders’ third line (with Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau) has done a very good job suppressing chances and attacking in transition.
Holmstrom also skated with the top line first last season.
The downside to Holmstrom this year has been his inability to do much with the puck on his stick. Through five games, he has two assists. One of those came shorthanded. It’s just one 5-on-5 point so far, but overall, Holmstrom had a very strong camp and must keep gaining confidence in the offensive zone. He has the skill and the shot. Just look at his shootout attempt from last night.
Elsewhere, it’s exceedingly likely that Roy will keep Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri, and Maxim Tsyplakov together as the readily consistent second line. The trio has thrived together and has been the best line for the Islanders through five games. They’ve combined for five goals and nine points through just five games.
Yes, Duclair went down and Tsyplakov’s been impressive. Even so, breaking up a line that’s been clicking does not make sense for the Islanders.
Oliver Wahlstrom, who looked significantly more comfortable in his first four games, returns and gets bumped up to a more offensive-minded line three with Lee and Pageau. It’s a good opportunity for Wahlstrom to show he can still play and score in a top-nine setting.
Lastly, Fasching reunites with Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean, two players he’s skated with before, as he returns to the NHL squad in his classic bottom-line role.