Marc Gatcomb clears waivers and the NY Islanders recall two players from Bridgeport

There was some change within the NY Islanders roster today as Marc Gatcomb cleared waivers and Alexander Romanov was placed on the IR.

Shortly after 2:00 pm, the deadline to claim players off waivers, the Islanders recalled defenseman Marshall Warren and forward Matthew Highmore from Bridgeport.

Warren and Highmore recalled from Bridgeport

Warren, 24, signed as a college free agent with the Islanders last summer. A sixth-round pick of the Minnesota Wild in 2019, the Laurel Hollow, Long Island native played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Boston College, and finished his NCAA career at the University of Michigan.

Never signing his ELC in Minnesota, the hometown kid elected to stay local with the Islanders at the conclusion of his NCAA career. Spending last season in Bridgeport, Warren put up 17 points (4 G, 13 A) in 53 games. After a solid rookie and training camp, Warren burst onto the scene in his first four AHL games this season, recording two goals and three assists.

While most indications were that Isaiah George would be the first defenseman recalled from Bridgeport, Warren earned his way and could soon make his NHL debut.

Highmore, 29, has bounced between the NHL and AHL over his nine-year professional career. The Halifax, NS native signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Islanders this summer, reporting to Bridgeport after camp, recording four assists through as many games sthis season.

Highmore played 23 games with the Ottawa Senators last season, finishing the year with two goals and eight assists.

While many were expecting George and Cal Ritchie to be the first two call-ups, the strong play of Warren and Highmore earned their way on the NHL roster. Neither will be in the lineup tonight against the Detroit Red Wings, but both could soon see their debut in blue and orange.