NY Islanders Prospect Jesse Pulkkinen Assigned to AHL

On Sunday afternoon, Stefen Rosner reported that the NY Islanders have assigned 2024 second-round pick Jesse Pulkkinen to the AHL's Bridgeport Islanders. Pulkkinen will play in North America for the first time.

Pulkkinen, a defenseman, stands at 6"6" and plays aggressively, especially on offense. He possesses a tremendous wingspan which he used to bully opposing forwards off the puck. His skating leaves some to be desired, and his aggression can get him into trouble, but his measurables and instincts make him a truly intriguing prospect. It's for good reason he's been referred to as a unicorn.

He has spent the last two years playing in Finland's professional league (SM-Liiga) with JyP HT Jyvaskyla. Across two seasons, he recorded 16 points in 67 games. He played sheltered minutes, usually on the third pairing. He's also spent some time representing Finland in international competitions. He had a strong showing at the 2024 World Juniors Championship, recording three points in eight games.

This move feels extremely early. Pulkkinen joined the Islanders organization not even a year ago. He was perceived as a project who needed time to hone his craft before coming to North America. But about eight months later, Pulkkinen is already crossing the pond.

He'll join a much-maligned Bridgeport Islanders team that is barrelling towards one of the worst AHL seasons since 2000. The 20-year-old will join fellow Islanders defensive prospects Calle Odelius and Isaiah George in Bridgeport's defensive corps. It's unclear when Pulkkinen will make his AHL debut, but he is already listed on the Bridgeport Islanders' roster. That makes him eligible to play as early as Wednesday, Mar 26.

It's time to see what "Big Pulk" can bring to the table in North America.