NY Islanders continue investment in Bridgeport roster with depth defense signing

The investment in Bridgeport continues.

New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche has made it clear that organizational depth—and specifically, a competitive, development-first environment in the AHL—is a priority. That trend continued Wednesday as the Bridgeport Islanders announced the signing of defenseman Sean Day to an AHL contract.

On paper, it’s not a flashy move. But it’s another smart, under-the-radar signing of a veteran with real pedigree—and it fits perfectly with Darche’s offseason blueprint: surround young prospects with experienced players who’ve been through the battles and know what it takes to win.

Day, 27, is no stranger to pro hockey. He’s logged 277 AHL games, racking up 110 points, and even cracked the NHL briefly with Tampa Bay. His best year came in 2021–22 with Syracuse, where he put up 40 points in 69 games. Most recently, he played overseas in Sweden with HV71, and before that, he proved his worth in the ECHL and OHL. Day was selected by the New York Rangers in the third round (81st overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.

What makes this signing even more interesting? Day was part of the 2017 Memorial Cup–winning Windsor Spitfires, coached at the time by none other than Rocky Thompson, now behind the bench in Bridgeport. That’s not a coincidence. This is someone Thompson trusts—and someone who knows what winning at a high level looks like.

Day also brings strong skating, puck-moving ability, and veteran savvy to a Bridgeport blue line that’s expected to include young names like Isaiah George and Calle Odelius. He won’t block their path—he’ll help them grow. It’s moves like this that will quietly strengthen the foundation of the Islanders’ pipeline. Darche isn’t just stockpiling names—he’s building culture. And that starts in Bridgeport.

Another smart signing. Another step in the right direction.