The NY Islanders sign Fredrik Karlstrom and Marc Gatcomb
The NY Islanders and Lou Lamoriello continue to add to the roster for the 2024-25 season, as the team has signed Fredrik Karlstrom and Marc Gatcomb according to PuckPedia.
Karlstrom, a 25-year-old center, has agreed to terms on a one-year, one-way contract, worth $775K. Adding a player such as Karlstrom isn't much of a surprise, but what is a bit shocking is that he was added on a one-way deal.
Karlstrom was a third-round pick of the Dallas Stars in 2016 but has yet to earn much of an opportunity in the NHL. Since coming over from Vaxjo of the SHL in Sweden, Karlstrom has spent the last three seasons playing with the Texas Stars in the AHL. Last season was his most productive, finishing with 44 points (21 G, 23 A) in 72 games.
Since joining the Stars organization, Karlstrom has appreared in eight games with Dallas, registering one assist, coming in his debut.
A 6'2" 200 lbs center, Karlstrom has some fourth line value as the teams 13th forward.
As we saw with Julien Gauthier last season, just because Karlstrom is signed to a one-way deal, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be part of the roster come opening night. The Islanders could place him on waivers at any point without being on the hook for his cap hit.
Gatcomb also agreed to a one-year contract worth $775K with the Islanders, but he is on a two-way deal and can pass between Long Island and Bridgeport.
The 6'2" 200 lbs forward played four years at UCONN before signing with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022 as a free agent. He played most of his two seasons in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, totaling 28 points in (12 G, 16 A) in 106 games. He'll add some depth down the middle in Bridgeport and will likely have little value in terms of playing in the NHL.