New York Islanders Defenseman Inching Closer to Return

When the New York Islanders return to the ice following the All-Star break, they will likely once again have one of their top defensemen back. According to PuckPedia, the Islanders have activated defenseman Ryan Pulock off of injured reserve.

The #Isles sent Gauthier & Holmstrom down, & activated Pulock from LTIR.

They exist LTIR after utilizing $673K.

They now have $224K Projected Cap Space, which can fit $566K annual cap hit today or $1.02M by the trade deadline.https://t.co/z2MaV4J5kX
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) February 3, 2024

Pulock, 29, last played for the Islanders during their contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 7. He suffered a lower-body injury during that contest after taking a shot of the ankle by Blue Jackets top defenseman Zach Werenski.

When noting that the Islanders are currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, it is certainly very good news that they are getting back one of their most important defensemen in Pulock. The hope is that he will help the club get their campaign back on track from here.

Pulock has had a fairly quiet season so far during the 2023-24 campaign, as he has two goals, four assists, and a minus-6 rating in 25 games played. However, now that he is inching closer to his return due to this activation of off LTIR, he will now get the chance to turn his season back around.

PuckPedia also reported that the Islanders have sent down recently waived forward Julien Gauthier and youngster Simon Holmstrom to the American Hockey League (AHL).