Aatu Räty Stateside, Assigned to Bridgeport

After being stateside for a few days now, New York Islanders top prospect Aatu Räty has been assigned to Bridgeport (AHL). 

The 19-year old Räty, who was drafted 52nd overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, took part in New York Islanders training camp this past September and although the Islanders had always planned for Raty to play overseas this season in his native country of Finland, Trotz liked what he saw.

“We wanted to get a good handle of the person and the player, in that order actually,” Islanders head coach Trotz said about Räty back during training camp. “The person is good. We’re really impressed with the person and his game has lots of substance. He’s on pucks, he’s learned. He plays with a lot of joy in his game and he’s not scared of the moment, which is really good for a young player. There’s a lot to like about him.”

Trotz said that Aatu Räty reminded him of Zach Parise, who has a reputation around the NHL as being one of the hardest workers there is.

“He’s just a really good hockey player.”

After starting his season with just one assist through six games with Karpat, Aatu Räty was dealt to Jukurit. And that’s where things changed for the young forward.

“Since he got traded from one team to I think Olli Jokinen’s team, he stepped into a real prime spot there and has had a terrific year,” Trotz said Tuesday morning. 

Under his new head coach Olli Jokinen, who played 17 years in the National Hockey League, Räty recorded 13 goals and 27 assists, 40 points, in 41 games played. In seven playoff games, Räty had two assists.

“I saw him yesterday. He was on the ice for a little bit and he looks stronger, he looks bigger.” Trotz said. “He looks like he’s the player I think that everybody expected when he was drafted, and we’ll see what he does in Bridgeport.”

“That’s the first transition. I mean they’re right in a playoff battle. So hopefully he’s a real good fit in that situation if he gets in. He’s an important prospect for us.”

The Bridgeport Islanders have two games left in their regular season and currently hold the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. Räty could serve as a nice addition to their roster if eligible. The New York Islanders did not have an answer as of now regarding his postseason eligibility, but it appears that he is able to play. 

When asked if there was a plan for Räty to get any NHL minutes before the regular season comes to a close, Trotz said, “Not that I know of.”

Aatu Räty signed a three-year entry-level contract (ELC) worth $2.775 million upon being drafted. If he plays nine games or fewer with the New York Islanders over the length of his deal, another year will be added to his ELC.

The Bridgeport Islanders next play on Friday, Apr. 22nd, against the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Could Aatu Räty make his North American debut then?