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Ryan Pulock Needs to Be a Major Plus for the New York Islanders  

Ryan Pulock will be expected to be a major plus for the New York Islanders this upcoming season. The Isles are counting on him to deliver his usual, reliable, shutdown play, ensuring the Islanders establish themselves a force in the Metro Division.

By Nestor Quixtan |
New York Islanders' blue liner Ryan Pulock must be a major plus as the club looks to establish itself as a dominant force in the Metro Division.
New York Islanders' blue liner Ryan Pulock must be a major plus as the club looks to establish itself as a dominant force in the Metro Division. / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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Ryan Pulock has been a stalwart on the New York Islanders blue line since joining the club in 2015. A former first-round pick in 2013, Pulock has delivered on everything the Isles could have hoped for. 

But that’s where the major issue lies. Given Pulock’s value to the New York Islanders, the club needs him more than ever. 

However, the injury bug plagued Pulock last season, limiting him to just 58 games. This upcoming season, Ryan Pulock needs to be a major plus for the Islanders as the club looks to bring the Cup back to Long Island. 

With that in mind, let's look at why the New York Islanders need Ryan Pulock to be a major plus this upcoming season.

Ryan Pulock Needs to Be a Major Plus This Upcoming Season 

PLUS 

While Pulock has never been an offensive defenseman, he’s delivered everything a club could need in a top-pairing blue liner. He’s tough, plays physical, and serves in a shutdown role. 

That sort of presence has made him an invaluable team member alongside partner Adam Pelech. Both Peleck and Puloch were instrumental in the Isles’ back-to-back Conference Final appearances. 

The emergence of Noah Dobson as a legitimate number one defenseman has shifted Pulock’s role to a second-pairing, defense-first role. That role suits Pulock just fine as he consistently delivers over 22 minutes a night. 

This upcoming season, the Isles will need Pulock to be at his best given the stiff competition in the Metro Division. If fully healthy, it’s tough to find a better blueliner than Pulock. 

MINUS 

Injuries have become a significant concern for Ryan Pulock. While Pulock played all 82 games in 2022-23, lower-body injuries limited time on the ice last season. So, there’s reason for concern that injuries may continue to pile up, significantly reducing Pulock’s ice time and effectiveness. 

At 29, Pulock is still young enough to give the Islanders a few more seasons of strong play. If injuries do not become a major issue, the Isles can count on a solid blue liner. Moreover, Pulock’s declining offensive output could lead some to consider him overpaid at $6.15 million per season. 

But then again, what do the Isles expect from Pulock? A two-way offensive defenseman? Or a solid shutdown blue liner who can handle 20-plus tough minutes a night? 

The Verdict 

While Pulock’s cap hit may seem high to some, it’s hard to find solid, reliable blue liners in today’s NHL. Pulock has a proven track record, making him one of the best shutdown defensemen in the league. 

It’s also worth noting that injuries may become a recurring theme moving forward. Hopefully, Ryan Pulock has plenty left in the tank to run out the remaining four years on his current contract, delivering on the promise that comes from being a first-round pick. 

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