It's getting interesting as some tough decisions have to be made here that may compromise Bridgeport's playoff chances by taking too many of their roster players and take away prospects opportunities to participate in the AHL playoffs. It clearly was a distraction in last night's 6-3 loss with a roster put together in less than twenty four hours with several familiar names who have played for Bridgeport but at this time of year you need chemistry.
I do not consider Matt Spiller a prospect but the question has to be asked was Drew Fata left in the AHL because he had a look or because he can help Bridgeport more than Spiller?
No doubt Steve Regier and Tim Jackman off the Sound Tiger roster with Ben Walter up already is a big hit to that roster. Jeremy Colliton did not make it back to Bridgeport in time to play and did have the flu but this could be more of a paper transaction where the Isles are trying to make sure their prospects have a playoff series while being able to field an AHL team.
If the organization was going all in for the Isles would the move to be recall Trevor Smith and Sean Bentivoglio?
I'm wondering at this point if the plan is to provide Bridgeport enough to make the playoffs or the Isles to survive the season with some level of being competitive?
Seems the urgency here should now be to get the Islanders prospects a playoff series to participate in Bridgeport.
Personally I see no circumstances Kyle Okposo makes his Islander debut over the final nine games if the goal is to give him playoff games to participate in.
Hopefully an eventual return of Frans Nielsen and Bruno Gervais helps both teams strike a balance.
An even better question then Kyle Okposo making his NHL debut for me is would it make sense if Jesse Joensuu is not eligible to play for the Calder Cup and reportedly is going there only to practice why not give him a few NHL games now if he is healthy and in condition so Bridgeport can take back a player who can help them qualify for a playoff spot?
Islanders website: Has an update on Jesse Joensuu with Chief European Scout Vellu-Pekka Kautonen comments today.