NY Islanders bring back Bridgeport defenseman leaving one RFA left to sign

The New York Islanders have officially re-signed defenseman Travis Mitchell, per PuckPedia, bringing back the 25-year-old on a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL, with a guaranteed minimum of $125,000. The deal ensures that Mitchell will remain a key figure on the Bridgeport blue line under new head coach Rocky Thompson.

Mitchell joined the Islanders organization in 2023 as an undrafted NCAA free agent after a solid four-year collegiate career at Cornell University. The 6'3", 200-pound blueliner finished his final season with the Big Red in March 2023, capping off a 95-game NCAA run with 11 goals, 36 assists, and 47 points. He was a steady two-way contributor throughout his college career and helped Cornell capture the ECAC regular-season championship in 2019–20 during his freshman year.

Since signing with the Isles, Mitchell has spent the past two seasons developing with AHL Bridgeport. In 2024–25, he posted 13 points and 101 penalty minutes across 65 games, showcasing a physical, stay-at-home style of play that should complement Thompson's approach behind the bench.

Mitchell will be waiver-eligible for the first time this season but is expected to clear and return to the AHL, where his continued growth will be guided by Thompson, a former NHL defenseman himself, who now leads a Bridgeport squad looking to rebound after a rough 2024–25 campaign.

With Mitchell’s deal done, GM Mathieu Darche has just one RFA left to sign: Maxim Tsyplakov, who filed for arbitration earlier this month. For now, Mitchell’s return adds another dependable piece to the Bridgeport puzzle as the organization doubles down on development and identity.