NY Islanders recall AHL All-Star defenseman Samuel Bolduc

The revolving door between the Bridgeport Islanders and NY Islanders continues to swing. The Islanders have recalled 2019 second round draft pick (57th overall) defenseman Samuel Bolduc from AHL Bridgeport. The Islanders are already carrying seven defenseman with Dennis Cholowski and Parker Wotherspoon still on recall with the varsity squad. Bolduc, if he makes his NHL debut, will be the ninth defenseman to dress for the Islanders this season.

Bolduc is having an excellent bounce-back season that named him to the 2023 AHL All-Star game. After collecting just seven points in 57 games last season, Bolduc is looking like his rookie-self that scored 14 points in 24 games with eight goals and 26 points in 40 games this season. The second-time AHL All-Star is scheduled to attend this seasons AHL All-Star game on February 5th and 6th in his hometown Laval, QC.

The Islanders will be on the road for their next two contests in Toronto and Ottawa. The roster is currently full at 23/23 players, so a corresponding move appears imminent.

With their latest struggles to put the puck in the net, the frequent recalls from AHL Bridgeport have sparked the speculation if Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello might be showcasing some of his younger talent to include in a trade. Bolduc seemingly has some appeal as an two-time AHL All-Star. The Islanders blue line depth is a strength and once Adam Pelech finally returns from injury, there won't be room for all the defenseman currently on the roster. With a blueline that consists of young talent in Alexander Romanov and Noah Dobson, as well as defenseman on long-term contracts in Ryan Pulock and Pelech, the Islanders best position of strength to make a trade is on defense.

If nothing else, Bolduc has rightfully earned his call up as one of the Islanders best players in the pipeline. His first opportunity to make his NHL debut is Monday in Toronto when the Islanders take on the Maple Leafs.