Michael Dal Colle Sidelined with Lower-Body Injury

The New York Islanders will be without forward Michael Dal Colle for the next two games, head coach Barry Trotz revealed on Saturday morning. Dal Colle is dealing with a lower-body injury.

The revelation came a day after Dal Colle had missed practice with what the team categorized as a maintenance day. Trotz didn’t appear concerned that Dal Colle would miss any games when he spoke with reporters on Friday in Pittsburgh.

Now the Islanders, who are already without Anders Lee (ACL Injury) and Noah Dobson, are down one more player. Trotz named several players that could get a shot in Dal Colle’s absence, which included Kieffer Bellows, Austin Czarnik and Ross Johnston. All three have played in at least three games this season.

The loss of Michael Dal Colle is a tough one for the Islanders, who have seen him become a big contributor this season in various roles in the lineup.

“DC’s last game, I think he’s been driving a lot of that line,” Trotz said. “I’ll say he’s a player that’s getting some traction. It’s unfortunate he got injured. That takes away a little momentum for a player. But you know what? It’s an opportunity for someone. They get in and they make a point that they can take a permanent spot in the lineup. … We want players when they’re going good and obviously, I thought DC was going pretty good.”

Michael Dal Colle has played in 20 games this season and has a goal and four assists in that span. While his offensive numbers don’t necessarily jump off the stat sheet, his ability to play a good two-way game and create chances for his linemates have made him an asset this season.

The Islanders play Pittsburgh over the next two games as they wrap up a four-game road trip.