With Adam Pelech and Sebastian Aho already on the injured reserve, the Islanders claimed Mike Reilly off waivers from the Florida Panthers to shore up the back end last week.
The injury hits keep coming, as Ryan Pulock was placed on IR this morning after blocking a shot in the team’s 7-3 win last night. He did not return to the game.
In a corresponding move, the Islanders have acquired veteran right-handed defenseman Robert Bortuzzo from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a 2024 7th round draft pick.
Bortuzzo will play on the right side of the Isles blue line behind Scott Mayfield and Noah Dobson.
A veteran, physical blue liner.
Grant Hutton was an available right-shot option for the Islanders, but they elected the 34-year-old via trade to hold down the right side on the ice til Pulock returns.
Pulock is obligated to miss at least three games due to his IR designation.
The Islanders are now without Pelech, Pulock, and Aho with some difficult contests ahead.
They face the LA Kings on Saturday night at home. The Kings are undefeated on the road this season.
