NY Islanders Prospect Report: Week of 10/31-11/6
Samuel Bolduc, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL (2019, 2nd Round)
Aside from Iskhakov, Samuel Bolduc has been one of the team's most pleasant surprises. In his third year in Bridgeport, Bolduc has been a sturdy defensive force on the blue line. This season, he has proven that he is ready to take his offensive game to the next level.
Seemingly back to 100% following off-season surgery before the start of last season, in only ten games, Bolduc has produced two goals and ten assists - just two points shy of his career high set in 2020-21.
This past week, Bolduc added three more points to his season total, extending his point streak to a career-high seven games following the B-Isles matchup with Hartford. As the Isles entered the zone on an odd-man rush, Bolduc trailed the play when a rebound came out through the slot directly to Bolduc. The 21-year-old one-timed a shot back toward the target to beat the goalie.
Through the first ten games of the season, Bolduc currently sits 2nd in points among all AHL defensemen and tied for first in assists by a defenseman. The Laval, QC native is getting much of his production on the powerplay, compiling eight points (one goal, seven assists) which is tops in the league.
With his recent form, Bolduc could see his first NHL call-up barring any sort of injury along the NHL Isles blue line.
Simon Holmström, Bridgeport Islanders, AHL (2019, 23rd Overall)
As a handful of Islanders prospects currently playing in Bridgeport seem to be trending up, fourth-year forward Simon Holmström looks to be struggling out of the gate in 2022 compared to 2020-21.
Last year, the 2019 first-round pick set career highs scoring 12 goals and adding 31 helpers. So far, during Bridgeport's first ten games of the season, Holmström has only managed three goals and a single assist.
During the B-Islanders 2-1 record last week, the Swedish winger failed to have an impact where the rest of his teammates have found ways to contribute. Without a single point and a -3 rating, it would be understandable if Holmström were creating opportunities and just not finding the back of the net. But, his contribution has been limited, totaling only one shot in each of the team's three games.
Holmström needs to keep his foot on the gas and improve his play from last week, as he has William Dufour, Aatu Räty, and Iskhakov ready to jump ahead and become the first forward called up to the NHL this season if need be.