NY Islanders recall Kyle MacLean and place Hudson Fasching on LTIR

After being returned to Bridgeport following his first stint in the NHL, Kyle MacLean has been recalled by the NY Islanders. The roster move is due to the uncertainty surrounding Casey Cizikas after he left last night's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins with what appears to be a hand injury.

Cizikas blocked an Erik Karlsson one-timer while the Isles were killing a Penguins power play, leaving the long-time Islander in noticeable pain, as he could be seen with his glove off, looking at his hand before exiting the bench and heading down the tunnel.

MacLean played six games with the Islanders from Jan. 19-Feb 5, filling in for Cizikas while he was on IR with a lower-body injury. MacLean filled in well during his short time with the Isles, scoring his first NHL goal in his most recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Since returning to the Bridgeport Islanders, MacLean has registered three assists, bringing his AHL season totals to 6 goals and 16 assists.

To make room for MacLean, a roster move was necessary for Lou Lamoriello to make. The boss hasn't yet decided to place Cizikas on IR but instead, moved Hudson Fasching to LTIR retroactive to Jan. 25.

Fasching has missed the last eight games with a lower-body injury but skated with the team at practice on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before missing the trip to Pittsburgh with an illness. Per LTIR rules, he'll have to miss ten games, meaning he won't be available for the games against the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning.

After making his presence known last season and earning himself a two-year contract, Fasching has struggled to produce the same grit and intensity this year. He has just eight points in 35 games and will have to earn his way back into the lineup.