Bridgeport in AHL playoffs gives Islanders a good look at prospects
Islanders forward Aatu Raty (61) controls the puck against the New York Rangers during the second period of an NHL preseason game at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, on Sunday, Sep 26, 2021. Credit: Brad Penner
The Islanders’ focus after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018 is what offseason improvements can be made before training camp in September. There is hope some of that can come from within the organization.
To that end, top affiliate Bridgeport qualifying for the AHL playoffs might be a significant factor. Bridgeport opens its best-of-three-series against the Providence Bruins on the road on Monday night before returning home on Wednesday night. The deciding Game 3, if necessary, will be Friday night in Providence.
“It’s huge for the young guys,” Bridgeport coach Brent Thompson said. “It gives the young guys an opportunity to battle in the playoffs and see how intense that part of the game is.”
Forwards Aatu Raty and Simon Holmstrom and defensemen Robin Salo and Samuel Bolduc are among the top candidates to compete for an NHL roster spot in September.
Raty, the Islanders’ highest pick in 2021 as he slipped to No. 52 after starting with first-round projections, has only played two games without a point for Bridgeport after finishing his season in Finland’s top league.
But Thompson praised his work ethic and hockey IQ as well as his physical growth.
“Very exciting,” Thompson said of the 6-2, 185-pound Raty. “Reliable as far as the 200-foot game and being able to play a heavy game. He fits that North American mold and he has those little offensive instincts. I’m excited to see him continue to develop and grow through this playoff run.”
“A lot of high-end skill,” said NHL/AHL veteran Chris Terry, who led Bridgeport with 30 goals and 61 points in 61 games. “He can shoot the puck really good. He plays the game hard. He doesn’t shy away from contact or going into the corners.”
Holmstrom, the 23rd overall pick in 2019, had 12 goals and 31 assists in 68 games in his third season with Bridgeport.
“Holmstrom, in particular, really took steps,” Thompson said. “He had the consistent game, game in and game out, where he was controlling pucks. He was intense. He was reliable defensively. Great puck decisions.”
Among other forwards to note: Speedy Arnaud Durandeau, a sixth-round pick in 2017, had 15 goals and 22 assists in 64 games before suffering an upper-body injury on April 8; Kyle MacLean, an undrafted 22-year-old who is the son of former Devil John MacLean and described as a “Casey Cizikas replica,” by Thompson; and Otto Koivula, a fourth-round pick in 2016 who has played 20 NHL games and gotten better with each temporary promotion, according to Islanders coach Barry Trotz.
Salo, a second-round pick in 2017 who came to North America this season from the Swedish Hockey League and had a goal and four assists in 21 games with the Islanders, has some of the puck-moving skills the Islanders crave.
“For him, it was confidence,” Thompson said. “When he came here, he was working extremely hard. He earned the right to get up [to the NHL]. Then, when he came back down, he thought it was going to be easier. That’s just a little bit of development and maturity. Now, he was in a good place when he went up and I think he’s going to be in a great place coming down [for the playoffs].”
The 6-4, 220-pound Bolduc, a second-round pick in 2019, has a heavy shot and physical presence.
“He’s another guy that’s definitely matured,” Bridgeport captain Seth Helgeson. “At the start of the year, maybe some ups and downs. He’s definitely made strides and I think everyone within the organization should be pretty excited for him down the road. The ceiling for his potential is right there.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
