After several injuries to key players, the New York Islanders are finally getting healthy. But what if the injury bug strikes again? Dylan Burhans looks across the Sound to Bridgeport, where many players have the potential to be called up.
Adam Pelech and Mat Barzal have returned to the ice for the New York Islanders with Anthony Duclair not far behind. But should the need for reserves arise, Lou Lamoriello may look for internal options to fill the gaps before a move, if any, is made.
These are the four players in Bridgeport that are most likely to get a look.
Matthew Maggio Highlights
Alex Jeffries
Starting off the list is newcomer Alex Jeffries. The 23-year-old winger is entering his first full professional season after joining Bridgeport towards the end of last year. In his first taste of professional hockey, Jeffries put up an impressive seven points in 12 games.
This season for Bridgeport, he is fourth in goals (6) and third in points (17) in 21 games.
After a stellar collegiate career for Merrimack College (97 points in 105 games), Jeffries is looking to bring the success he found to the Islanders. A Hobey Baker nominee (awarded to the top player in the NCAA), Jeffries has the tools to become a top-6 option for New York.
According to the EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide, Jeffries has excellent speed and agility. This skating ability, combined with his elite passing and playmaking, can be a major asset for a team that is struggling to generate offense.
Jeffries is not afraid to shoot the puck either–he is seventh on Bridgeport with 46 shots on goal. While Jeffries certainly needs time to refine his skill set, his performance in the AHL and pure offensive abilities could earn him a call-up.
Matthew Maggio
Since coming over from the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, Matthew Maggio has been a bright spot for Bridgeport. At 22 years old, Maggio is seen by many as the most NHL-ready prospect in the system. His speed and release are his greatest strengths, but he is also known for his two-way play.
This versatility makes him a prime candidate for a NHL call-up, as he seems to fit the vision Head Coach Patrick Roy has for the team.
After posting 54 goals and 111 points in 66 games as an overager in the OHL, Maggio has put up respectable numbers for Bridgeport. With 36 points in 87 games across three seasons in the AHL, Maggio is proving he can be a valuable player for the Islanders organization.
While he only has one goal and six assists in 23 games played this season, his skill as a utility player is undeniable.
“Maggio is seen by many as the most NHL-ready prospect in the system.”
William Dufour
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 draft (152nd overall), William Dufour is an interesting name in that he has already made his debut with New York.
During his first professional season back in 2022-2023, Dufour earned a call up to Long Island. However, he played less than seven minutes of ice time (eight shifts) in his only game–a 4-1 loss against the Boston Bruins.
After struggling against a powerful Bruins squad, Dufour was sent down. He went on to finish strong in Bridgeport, posting 21 goals and 48 points in 69 games.
During the 2023-2024 season, however, Dufour faced mental struggles. He spent the summer focusing on overcoming those challenges and came to training camp looking to prove himself. A prototypical power forward, Dufour has the skills many teams covet in today’s NHL.
His skating improved drastically, and he is learning to play hard-nosed hockey. At 6 ‘3, 212 lbs, Dufour also has the size and strength that allows him to create space for his linemates. Combined with his deceptively quick release, he has all the tools to succeed at the NHL level.
As New York continues to struggle with generating high-danger scoring chances, Dufour can inject energy into the lineup with his offensive abilities. He currently ranks ninth in Bridgeport with 42 shots and has shown he can put the puck in the back of the net, especially on the power play.
Despite Dufour only having three goals and six points in 22 games so far, Bridgeport as a whole is struggling to score goals. If given a legitimate shot in the NHL, Dufour could be the boost the team needs.
Brian Pinho
A dark horse candidate, Brian Pinho has been leading the charge for Bridgeport’s offense. He currently ranks first on Bridgeport with 14 goals and 21 points in 25 games.
Pinho has also been a force on the special teams, with three short-handed goals and four tallies on the power play.
As a 29 year-old, Pinho is not a question mark. He is a defensively responsible center (he won Best Defensive Forward back in 2018 for both Hockey East and New England in the NCAA) who can score and boost both special teams.
Calling up Pinho will give New York more center depth and flexibility throughout the lineup. He can also help out on the special teams, which have been struggling over a quarter of the way into the season.
While many fans want the younger prospects in Bridgeport to get the opportunity to play with the big club, Lamoriello and Roy will have to bring in the players that give them the best chance of success. Pinho can be that guy for them.
The Kids Can Help
Whether or not these players can drastically move the needle for New York remains to be seen, they each bring different skill sets that the club needs. Overall, Lamoriello has options in Bridgeport that can provide a spark for the Islanders if injuries resurface.
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