NY Islanders new AHL affiliate in Hamilton makes their first official signing

The Hamilton Hammers have officially made the first player signing in franchise history, and it is exactly the type of move you would expect from a brand-new team trying to establish its culture.

Veteran forward Matthew Highmore has signed an AHL contract with Hamilton, giving the new affiliate of the New York Islanders an experienced leader as it prepares for its inaugural season.

Highmore is the type of player every successful AHL team needs.

The 29-year-old brings more than 300 AHL games, 187 NHL appearances and two AHL All-Star selections to Hamilton. More importantly, he brings the kind of professionalism and leadership that can help young prospects navigate the difficult transition to professional hockey.

#Isles #HammerTime
The Hamilton Hammers sign Matthew Highmore to an AHL deal.

Highmore is a leader and a guy who was mentioned by name multiple times last season when it came to helping new players get up to speed. Definitely the type of player you want around your younger… https://t.co/75o7QsTNaS
— Kenny Kaminsky (@KennyKaminsky) June 1, 2026

Last season in Bridgeport, Highmore appeared in all but two regular-season games, posting 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points. Those numbers are impressive enough, but people inside the organization consistently pointed to something else when discussing his value.

Per Kevin Kaminsky, who followed the team's last season in Bridgeport, Highmore's name came up when coaches and players discussed how to help newcomers acclimate to the pro game. Whether it was teaching younger players the daily habits needed to succeed or helping them adjust to life in a new organization, Highmore became one of the veterans others naturally gravitated toward.

The Hammers are expected to feature several of the Islanders' top prospects in the coming seasons, and having experienced veterans around players who are learning to become professionals can make a significant difference. Every AHL team needs scoring. Every AHL team needs talent, but they also need culture. As Hamilton begins its first season, Highmore looks like exactly the kind of player who can help establish that foundation. He may not be the biggest name on the roster, but for a team trying to build something from the ground up, the first signing keeps things on solid footing.

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