New York Islanders 2017-18 Season: Prospects Hoping To Make Roster

Ryan Pulock

Aside from the whole Matt Duchene chase, that’s still ongoing, the Ryan Pulock saga was the most perplexing issue surrounding the Isles last season.

In Ryan Pulock the Isles had a fantastic puck-moving defenseman, who put up a ton of points and ran a productive power play. All of those were requirements by the Isles. Oh. Did I mention that he can hit the puck 102mph? Yeah. That too.

Must Read: Not Calling Up Pulock Was Isles Biggest Mistake in 2016-17

They had a hard time exiting the zone and establishing an attack. They weren’t scoring much. And their power play was absolutely atrocious ranking 28th in the league last season.

With the Sound Tigers Pulock averaged .84 points-per-game with 46 points in 55 games played. But still never got a call-up tot eh Islanders roster. Even though they clearly needed his services. Well, it was at least clear to fans that the Isles needed his help.

Sorry. He was called -up at the start of the season, but broke his foot in his first NHL game of the season. After it had healed, Pulock started and stayed in the AHL for the remainder of the season.

The 2017-18 season is going to be interesting for Pulock. The Isles only have five D currently on the blue line, including Scott Mayfield. But you’d have to imagine Garth knows that Pulock’s outgrown the AHL. Why else did he protect Pulock in the Vegas Expansion Draft if only to keep him in the AHL again?