The New York Islanders find themselves navigating choppy waters as they place two key players, defenseman Ryan Pulock and goaltender Marcus Hogberg, on injured reserve. The move comes on the heels of a hard-fought 3-2 overtime victory against the Carolina Hurricanes, a game in which both Pulock and Hogberg suffered upper-body injuries that will sideline them for the foreseeable future.
In an effort to shore up their depleted roster, the Islanders orchestrated a trade with the St. Louis Blues, acquiring promising young defenseman Scott Perunovich in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft. Perunovich, a former second-round selection, brings a mix of offensive upside and defensive acumen to an Islanders blue line in need of reinforcements.
Pulock’s Absence Leaves a Void
The loss of Ryan Pulock, a stalwart on the Islanders’ back end, is a significant blow to the team’s defensive corps. The 30-year-old rearguard has been a model of consistency, logging heavy minutes and providing a steadying presence in all situations. His injury, sustained on his first shift against the Hurricanes, will test the Islanders’ depth and resilience.
You don’t like losing players, especially the way they were playing, they were playing really well for us. They’re important players, but at the same time, it’s a good opportunity for other guys to take advantage of it.
– Islanders coach Patrick Roy
Pulock’s Impressive Resume
A fixture on the Islanders’ blue line since being drafted 15th overall in 2013, Pulock has amassed an impressive body of work:
- 534 regular-season games played
- 51 goals and 156 assists
- 1,003 blocked shots
- 66 playoff appearances with 27 points
Hogberg’s Promising Start Derailed
Marcus Hogberg, in his first season with the Islanders, was off to a strong start before the injury bug struck. The 30-year-old netminder, signed as a free agent in May, has posted a 2-2-0 record with a sparkling 1.45 goals-against average and .947 save percentage. His absence will place a heavier workload on the shoulders of fellow goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
Perunovich: A Promising Addition
The acquisition of Scott Perunovich from the Blues provides the Islanders with a skilled puck-moving defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. The 26-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, recording 29 points in 97 regular-season games. His presence will help mitigate the loss of Pulock and inject some offensive creativity into the Islanders’ back end.
Looking Ahead: Avalanche on the Horizon
As the Islanders prepare to host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night, they’ll need to rally around each other and embrace the “next man up” mentality. With key players sidelined and new faces joining the fray, the team’s depth and character will be put to the test. The road ahead may be rocky, but the Islanders have proven time and again that they have the resilience to weather any storm.
The loss of Pulock and Hogberg is undoubtedly a setback for the Islanders, but it also presents an opportunity for others to step up and make their mark. The addition of Perunovich brings a fresh perspective and skill set to the lineup, while the team’s core players will be counted on to lead by example. As the Islanders navigate these uncharted waters, one thing remains certain: their unwavering commitment to each other and their quest for success.
