NY Islanders retain intriguing depth forward

Mathieu Darche and the New York Islanders front office continue to shape the Hamilton Hammers inaugural roster. After re-signing guys like Liam Foudy and Marshall Warren, they continue to bring back mainstays from the Bridgeport Islanders roster. On Thursday, June 11th, the Isles announced they have agreed to terms with Daylan Kuefler on a two-year two-way contract. This is a move that will not only help the Hammers but could play a role for the Islanders.

Daylan Kuefler should be able to make an impact in the AHL and NHL

Kuefler has been in the Islanders organization since they drafted him in the 6th round of the 2022 NHL draft. He was coming off an impressive stint in the WHL, where he registered 77 goals and 67 assists for 144 points in 185 career games. He also racked up 24 points in 30 CHL playoff games. He spent time in the ECHL and AHL during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. He showed flashes in a limited sample size, but could not get consistent playing time.

However, this past season was a big step in the right direction for Kuefler. In a career high 67 games, he recorded 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points. All three of which were new career highs for him. His 10 goals were also good for eighth on the team. Kuefler's play was a big reason Bridgeport returned to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. He may not have been the main reason, but he did the dirty work that does not show up in the box score.

The biggest strength in Kuefler's game is his defense. He always seems to be in the right position to make a stop or disrupt an opponent's offensive attack. He's also not afraid to block the shot or lay out a hit. This is someone who was perfect late in games or in penalty kill situations and kept the other team off the scoreboard. Add the fact that he was able to put up over 20 points in a season, and he has some potential at the next level.

While it's unlikely that Kuefler breaks camp with the team, he can be someone they call up when injuries occur. He's someone that they can put into their bottom six and create a defense-first shutdown line with him. He could also find a role on the Isles' second penalty kill unit. If he's able to play to get off to a hot start and prove he belongs in the NHL, he can easily have a role for the rest of the season.

It may seem like only a depth move, but Kuefler could become a secert weapon for the Islanders. He can quickly established himself as a staple of their bottom six and give the forward core a bump defensively.

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