Islanders add organizational depth; announce four signings

The New York Islanders conducted business for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, announcing that the organization has signed two-year, two-way contracts with three players: Dennis Cholowski, Arnaud Durandeau, and Paul LaDue. Forward Hudson Fasching also inked a one-year, two-way contract.

These moves bring organizational depth at multiple positions and will help round out the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) roster heading into next season.

Here is some background on each of the signings.

Dennis Cholowski

Cholowski registered three assists in 11 games for both the Seattle Kraken and the Washington Capitals last season. The offensive-minded defenseman played the majority of the year with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) where the 24-year-old scored 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) in 31 games.

Cholowski is a former first-round pick (2016, 20th overall) of the Detroit Red Wings. The Langley, BC native played in 104 games with Detroit, scoring 10 goals and adding 17 assists. He made the Red Wings out of training camp for the 2018-19 season, making his NHL debut on October 4, 2018, and scored his first career NHL goal in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jacket's Joonas Korpisalo.

Arnaud Durandeau

Durandeau was selected by the Islanders in 6th round (165th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft. After putting up impressive numbers for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (85 goals and 111 assists in 262 games), the speedy and skilled forward turned pro for the 2019-20 season.

After a playing in 21 games for Bridgeport in his rookie season and scoring five goals, he played in 14 games during shortened 2021 season and four goals and four assists. Last year, he enjoyed a bit of a breakout season, registering a career highs in goals (15), assists (22) and points (37) in 64 games.

“I feel like this year has been going pretty well,” said Durandeau to NY SportsDay.  “I’ve been playing a lot more and having more of a role on this team.  The coaches have been trusting me a lot more and I feel like my confidence has been higher as well.  The points have been coming playing with good players.”

Durandeau had one goal and added an assist in Bridgeport's six Calder Cup playoff games.

Hudson Fasching

Fasching is another original draft pick (4th round) of the Los Angeles Kings (118th overall, 2013). On March 5, 2014, Fasching's rights were traded along with Nicolas Deslauriers and a draft pick to theBuffalo Sabres in exchange for Brayden McNabb, Jonathan Parker and two draft picks.

Faching is coming off a career year with the Tuscon Roadrunners of the the AHL last season, scoring 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists) in 51 games. The Milwaukee, WI native has 148 points (69 goals, 79 assits in 280 career AHL games with the Roadrunners and Rochester Americans.

Faching reached the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres and Arizona Coyotes, collecting three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 38 career games. Fasching was a standout at the University of Minnesota, Fasching recorded 94 points (46 goals and 48 assists) in 115 career games with the Golden Gophers as the team won three consecutive regular season championships. As a senior, he was an alternate captain.