Two on waivers, twelve sent down
The New York Islanders trimmed their camp roster this afternoon. Defenseman Ethan Bear and goalie Henrik Tikkanen went on waivers, and 12 more players were assigned to the Hamilton Hammers, the club’s AHL affiliate.
The group heading to Hamilton: Cameron Berg, Hunter Drew, Cam Thiesing, Ryan Healey, Luke Rowe, Brandon Scanlon, Ryan Fanti, Joey Larson, Jesse Nurmi, Gleb Veremyev, Calle Odelius and Jesse Pulkkinen. Only Larson and Veremyev played in the preseason opener against the New Jersey Devils. Bear did too.
Bear and Tikkanen were two of 15 players placed on waivers across the league today. If they go unclaimed, both will be assigned to Hamilton as well.
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Bear’s long road back
Bear is the more interesting name. A fifth-round pick in 2015, 124th overall, he had settled in as a regular with the Vancouver Canucks in 2023-24. A shoulder injury suffered with Canada at the World Championship that summer changed everything. His last NHL action came with the Washington Capitals in 2023-24, and he has spent the last two seasons in the AHL.
A right-shot defenseman with NHL games on his record could draw a claim from a team short on depth. Whether his shoulder holds up against top competition is the question every scout will ask.
Tikkanen never had a realistic path to the roster. Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov and Vitek Vanecek all sit ahead of him. He could end up as the starter in Hamilton if New York decide to carry three goalies to open the season.
Rangers up next
The moves come before tonight’s second preseason game, a trip to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers. Expect a more veteran lineup than the one used against New Jersey. Teams must have their rosters compliant by September 28.
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