NY Islanders prospect wins AHL Player of the Week Award

Although the season hasn't started the way the New York Islanders hoped, the Bridgeport Islanders have gotten off to a hot start. They registered three points in their opening weekend with a win against the Belleville Senators and an OT loss to the Providence Bruins. A large reason for this start has been the play of Marshall Warren. In two games, Warren has registered two goals and two assists for a team-high four points.

His strong start to the season earned him praise from across the league. He was announced as the AHL Player of the Week, the first time an Islander won the award since Cole Bardreau on February 4th, 2024. It's a very positive start to the season and something Warren can build off going forward.

Marshall Warren could be in store for a breakout season

Warren's first full season in the AHL left a lot to be desired. After having a cup of coffee in the 2023-24 season, he played in 53 games for the Islanders in the 2024-25 season, racking up four goals and 13 assists for 17 points. A big reason for Warren's struggles was his adjustment to the speed of the professional game. We've seen in years past that it sometimes takes guys a season or two to acclimate themselves to the professional game.

It's only a small sample size, but what we saw from Warren suggests he's made that adjustment. In both games, he was a force in the Islanders' offensive attack, constantly creating plays on the puck and using his mobility to his advantage. It's the type of play we saw from Warren in college and at the junior level. Seeing that play translate to the AHL level is big for his development and suggests he might be further along than previously thought.

This is a performance that Warren can build on. It should give him the confidence that he belongs at this level and blocks out any doubts he might have had about himself after last season's struggles. A successful season from him will not only help the Bridgeport Islanders have a bounce-back season but will also increase Warren's stock as a prospect.

With Warren being an undersized sixth-round pick by the Minnesota Wild in 2019, many were quick to write him off as a career AHLer. But if he's able to put up good numbers, it could clear a path for him to make an NHL appearance, especially if the Islanders' defensive core continues to struggle. While defense is not his strength, adding a young player to the lineup can sometimes spark improvement and enhance play.

While it's only been two games, fans should keep an eye on whether Warren can build off it or not. If he continues to play well, he could find himself on Long Island sooner than expected.