NY Islanders put Pierre Engvall on waivers but keep three top prospects around

The New York Islanders made another round of roster cuts Saturday, with Pierre Engvall being placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Hamilton Hammers highlighting the moves.

Engvall missed all of last season because of injury and was attempting to work his way back into the Islanders' lineup during training camp. The forward scored New York's only goal in a 6-1 preseason loss to the New York Rangers on Friday night at UBS Arena, but that wasn't enough to keep him with the NHL group. If Engvall clears waivers, the Islanders intend to assign him to Hamilton.

Mitchell Chaffee, Liam Foudy, Daylan Kuefler and Matt Luff were also placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to Hamilton. Alex Jefferies, Josh Kotai, Daniil Prokhorov and Marshall Warren were assigned to the Hammers, while Matthew Highmore was also sent to the AHL affiliate.

Perhaps just as notable as who was sent down was who remained. Top prospects Cole Eiserman, Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson will stay with the Islanders for at least a little longer as coach Pete DeBoer and general manager Mathieu Darche continue evaluating their options before the regular season.

Eklund appears to have the clearest path toward earning an NHL roster spot. The 19-year-old has impressed throughout rookie camp and training camp, and Mathew Barzal's injury is expected to delay his start to the regular season. That creates an opening for another forward, and Eklund has done little during camp to hurt his chances.

Eiserman and Aitcheson also remain in the mix, though keeping them through Saturday's cuts doesn't necessarily mean either will begin the season in the NHL.

The Islanders still have decisions to make. But after Saturday, the competition is getting smaller and three of their most intriguing young players are still part of it.

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