Salo Pulock Bails

Ahead of the New York Islanders first-ever practice at their new home at UBS Arena on Thursday morning, the team announced that defenseman Robin Salo was recalled from its AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders. Salo's recall was to help fill the void of Ryan Pulock, who is out four-to-six weeks with lower body injury and was placed on injured reserve.

Salo, who the Islanders drafted 46th overall (second round, 2017), made the transition to North American hockey during the offseason after spending the previous five seasons playing in both Liiga, Finland's top tier professional league and the Swedish Hockey League, Sweden's top tier professional hockey league.
Through 14 games with Bridgeport this season, the 23-year-old left shot has led the team's defense in scoring with eight points (2G, 6A).

"From all reports out of Bridgeport and then what we saw of him out of preseason he is a guy that is deserving of at least an opportunity," Trotz said of Salo.
While the Islanders got a glance at Salo during training camp and preseason, he continued to impress his teammates following his first regular-season practice with the group.
"A super smart d-man, who moves really well," Mathew Barzal said. "Has great hands. I think he has a great IQ for the game. It's going to be nice to see him up with us. Hopefully, he gets in the lineup."


UPDATE ON PULOCK

After blocking a shot against Tampa on Monday night, Pulock missed Tuesday night's game against Florida. Upon returning to New York and undergoing an evaluation, it was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the Islanders' blueliner would miss the next four-to-six weeks with a lower-body injury.
Pulock's injury is a hit to the Islanders' blueline and comes in the midst of a stretch where the team has lost four-straight games and been outscored 19-4. While the circumstances are not ideal, Trotz noted it's an opportunity for other players to step up and take advantage of more responsibility in the wake of Pulock's absence.
"If we've got one or two guys out, other guys get an opportunity," Trotz said. "Other guys get a chance to step up. We've just got to make sure to get the job done."


BAILEY REMAINS IN COVID-19 PROTOCOL

Josh Bailey remains in the NHL COVID-19 Protocol after receiving a positive test and having to miss Tuesday night's game at Florida. Per the league's protocol, Bailey is continuing to quarantine and is currently still in Sunrise, Florida per Trotz.
"He's in Sunny Florida right now," Trotz confirmed.


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