What's Happening?
The New York Islanders have announced the signing of forward Joey Larson to a two-year, two-way contract, allowing him to play in both the NHL and AHL. Larson, a 25-year-old from Brighton, Michigan, completed his first full professional season with the Bridgeport
Islanders in the 2025-26 season, where he recorded 17 goals and 11 assists over 63 games. His performance ranked him third in goals on the team. Larson began his professional career with Bridgeport in the 2024-25 season, playing six games and scoring two goals with one assist. Before turning professional, Larson played NCAA Division I hockey, spending one season at Northern Michigan University and two at Michigan State University, where he was instrumental in the Spartans' back-to-back Big Ten Championships in 2024 and 2025.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Joey Larson is significant for the New York Islanders as it bolsters their roster with a promising young talent who has already shown potential in the AHL. Larson's collegiate success and his ability to score consistently make him a valuable asset for the team. This move reflects the Islanders' strategy to strengthen their lineup with players who can contribute both in the NHL and AHL, providing depth and flexibility. For Larson, this contract represents an opportunity to further develop his skills and potentially secure a more permanent role in the NHL, which could have a positive impact on his career trajectory.
What's Next?
As Joey Larson joins the Islanders under this new contract, he will likely participate in the team's training camps and pre-season activities to compete for a spot on the NHL roster. The Islanders will assess his performance and potential contributions to the team during these sessions. If Larson continues to perform well, he could see more playing time in the NHL, which would be a significant step in his professional career. The Islanders will also monitor his development closely to ensure he meets the team's expectations and contributes to their success in the upcoming seasons.
