Islanders Waive Ross Johnston

Photo: Matt Slocum

This afternoon, the Islanders placed veteran enforcer Ross Johnston on waivers.

It was a move that had been foreshadowed for quite some time but finally came true a few hours shy of the roster compliance date and time. Johnston has appeared in 134 NHL games across seven seasons with the Islanders. He has tallied 9 goals, 15 assists, and 283 penalty minutes over that stretch.

Related Story: Has The Islanders Team Speed Improved?

It is a different game than it used to be, and Ross had no role in this fast-paced version of hockey we see today. Due to the lack of roster space, the 29-year-old forward was placed on waivers and will be assigned to Bridgeport if he clears, which he is expected to. Johnston makes $1.1 million against the cap, but this transaction does not make the Islanders cap compliant right away. However, their roster size is now correct.

Simon Holmstrom is expected to be sent down to Bridgeport in a paper transaction before being recalled back to the Islanders. Holmstrom has beaten out Johnston for the last roster spot on the big club. A decision that simply needed to happen by Islanders management as a need for more skill and speed was determined to be necessary over grit.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Playoff Thoughts: Round 3, Game 5

Happy belated 9th Birthday, Ben Stelter. Tuesday night’s win was for you. We’re just one win away from a second straight Finals appearance. We always wish Ben were still with us and imagine how joyful he’d be to watch the Edmonton Oilers in these Playoff runs the last couple of years. A really nice gesture […]

Read More
NHL Playoff Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars with Line Combinations 5/29/2025

NHL Playoff Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars with Line Combinations 5/29/2025

NHL Playoff Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars with Line Combinations 5/29/2025

Read More
Porter Martone 2025 Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Porter Martone

The Scouting Report: Porter Martone of Peterborough, ON, is one of the prominent players available in the 2025 NHL Draft and is projected to be a top-five selection. Martone has been in the conversation for the first overall pick at different times this season, and with 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games with […]

Read More