NY Islanders place Sebastian Aho on IR retroactive to Nov. 24

The New York Islanders made another roster move on Monday, placing defenseman Sebastian Aho on IR, retroactively to Nov. 24.. Aho and Adam Pelech each left Friday's 5-3 win against the Ottawa Senators within the first four minutes of the game, leaving the team to play the remaining 56 minutes with only four defensemen.

Pelech was placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) on Saturday, meaning he has to miss at least 10 games. GM Lou Lamoriello spoke to the media and indicated the team did not think Aho's injury would be as long-term. Aho has four assists in 19 games this season. He is eligible to return to the lineup on Dec. 2 vs. the San Jose Sharks.

Without Aho in the lineup, the team recalled defenseman Grant Hutton from Bridgeport. Hutton played 10:11 TOI, had two hits, and blocked a shot in Saturday's 1-0 shootout loss vs. Philadelphia. On Sunday, Hutton was loaned back to Bridgeport in a paper transaction but was back with the team and on the media site this morning.

The move creates another roster spot for the Islanders with defenseman Mike Reilly acquired off waivers from the Florida Panthers, expected to join the team on Monday. Matt Martin, who was also placed on IR retroactive to Nov. 15 is also expected to be close to returning.

After entering last season as the team's seventh defenseman, Aho solidified himself as an NHL defenseman during the 2022-23 campaign and finished the year with five goals and 18 assists in 71 games. Samuel Bolduc is expected to remain in the lineup with Aho and Pelech both out, but could get pushed by either Reilly or Hutton to maintain that spot in the rotation.