The New York Islanders have announced their 23-man roster– and it went pretty much as expected. Michael Dal Colle earned a roster spot and so did Noah Dobson (for now).

In a more interesting situation, Tanner Fritz, Thomas Hickey and Josh Ho-Sang all cleared waivers. It was at least a little bit surprising to see none get claimed– there was never really a fear when it came to Fritz but there was potential with Ho-Sang or Hickey. There are teams with forward depth issues who I really thought would put in a claim on Ho-Sang. Hickey’s contract is awful but he can still be a serviceable depth defenseman (though seeing Hickey back was a bit less surprising). Regardless, all three will head to Bridgeport.

You have to wonder where they all go from here. It was clear from the way he played in exhibition games that Fritz was really gunning for a spot. It likely would’ve been his name on the roster if not for the late-summer Derick Brassard signing. He’s now 28 years old and you have to think he’s probably running out of opportunities at any full-time NHL work.

Speaking of running out of chances, Josh Ho-Sang is in the AHL again. I don’t know what to think of it. It seems more now than ever that he’s probably not a fit in the organization long-term and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see the two sides part ways. Then again, if he wasn’t claimed on waivers, his trade value is pretty darn low at this point. I really wanted Ho-Sang to get a chance and I thought that at times in the preseason he looked pretty good. There’s no debating you have to earn your ice time but if he had been claimed, I wouldn't be able to help thinking that he really didn’t get the prolonged NHL chance that could have been a difference-maker for him with the Islanders. He’s probably not going to get that prolonged chance even after clearing but I suppose there’s at least a chance? Maybe? Okay. All I’m saying is there could’ve been some sense in giving 23-year-old Ho-Sang a chance rather than 27-year-old Tom Kuhnhackl, even if many will disagree.

With Hickey, it’s a bit sad to see. He’s in a tough position now: at 30 years old he’s returning to the AHL after six full NHL seasons. He’s probably going to slip behind younger players like Sebastian Aho on the call-up list pretty soon as well. It’s doubtful that anyone takes his contract. The future doesn't look great for him.

But I suppose those are the tough decisions that need to be made. I’m not complaining- I think they’re probably the right ones with Ho-Sang as a *potential* exception (the Islanders desperately need to start adding more youth upfront). Oh well, Dal Colle and Dobson made it so I can't complain.

Now with the roster set, we wait for the season opener.


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