NY Islanders recall defenseman Travis Mitchell from Bridgeport

The New York Islanders made a roster move Thursday morning, calling up defenseman Travis Mitchell from AHL Bridgeport ahead of their game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The recall comes with good news off the ice: Scott Mayfield has flown back to New York to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.

As for Mitchell, the 25-year-old blueliner has quietly been one of Bridgeport’s most dependable defensemen. Through 12 games this season, he’s got three assists and continues to play his steady, physical style. The 6-foot-4, 203-pound defender posted 13 points (4G, 9A) and 101 penalty minutes last year and is now in his fourth season with the organization after a strong four-year run at Cornell University.

Head coach Patrick Roy said Mitchell’s call-up was absolutely earned, thanks in part to a glowing review from Bridgeport bench boss Rocky Thompson. “Rocky said that [Mitchell] is their best defenseman right now,” Roy said. “He deserves to be here. We’re happy for him.”

Mitchell didn’t skate with the team Thursday and won’t play against Vegas, but it’s still a big moment for a player who’s quietly climbed the system since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

At Cornell, Mitchell played in 95 games, putting up 47 points and helping the Big Red win the ECAC regular-season title as a freshman. Since turning pro, he’s developed into a stay-at-home, no-nonsense defenseman who plays the kind of gritty, team-first hockey that fits perfectly with how the Islanders like to defend.

A well-deserved nod for a hard-working player - and a reminder that Bridgeport continues to churn out NHL-ready depth when the Isles need it.