New York Islanders: Jordan Eberle to IR, Michael Dal Colle Recalled

The New York Islanders have placed Jordan Eberle on injured reserve, retroactive to December 23, and have called up Michael Dal Colle to put in his place.

When the New York Islanders returned from the holiday break, Jordan Eberle returned with some stiffness. It kept him out of practice on the 27th while also keeping him out of the lineup last night in the Islanders first game back.

Now, the Islanders have placed Jordan Eberle on IR, after originally saying he was day to day, retroactive to December 23. So far this year for Eberle it’s been a down year for the 28-year-old winger.

In 35 games, Eberle has 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) putting him on pace for a 40 point season after nearly hitting 60 points last season. So while Eberle heads to IR, the Islanders have now responded by calling up Michael Dal Colle.

Dal Colle played two games with the big club this year, putting up no points. He’s now played in six career NHL games without a point or penalty minute. To be fair, he was barely used this last go around and didn’t get much of a shot with the Islanders.

In the AHL, Dal Colle has finally figured it out. He has 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 28 games. He’s a point per game player for the first time since his OHL days in 2015-2016.

Like we mentioned earlier this week, Michael Dal Colle is singlehandedly saving his value with his play in the AHL. Perhaps this go around will be easier for him, with an opportunity to play more consistently.

Here’s what the potential lineup should look like with the Isles current injuries:

Lee – Nelson – Ho-Sang

Beauvillier – Barzal – Bailey

Dal Colle – Filppula – Komarov

Martin – Cizikas – Kuhnhackl

Matt Martin and Ross Johnston serve virtually the same role, so there’s no reason to put them back out there together, especially with Johnston getting just seven minutes a night. As for Ho-Sang, he should continue to get reps on the top unit with Brock and Anders.

Michael Dal Colle will get a chance to play with Filppula and Komarov, which has served rather well for the youngsters this year. Both Josh Ho-Sang and Anthony Beauvillier seemed to play well with the two vets in recent go-arounds.

This is a huge opportunity for MDC to prove he belongs. If he wants to stay he’s going to have to start producing at the NHL level sooner rather than later.