Today is a good day for the New York Islanders. Earlier, the team announced that starting goaltender Jaroslav Halak would be making his regular season debut against the Sharks tonight, and the same is true for another player.
The Islanders have activated defenseman Thomas Hickey off injured reserve.
The 26-year-old missed the first four games of the regular season because of a fractured thumb.
In 81 games last season, Hickey had two goals and 22 points while averaging just under 19 minutes of ice time per game.
Hickey will take Brian Strait’s spot in the lineup, according to beat reporter Arthur Staple.
The club also terminated the contract of forward Louis Leblanc. The 24-year-old was Montreal’s first round pick, 18th overall, in the 2009 entry draft, but he’s been unable to stick in the NHL.
#Isles Transaction: Thomas Hickey has been activated off the team's IR list. Louis LeBlanc's contract has been terminated.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 17, 2015
New York placed tough guy Eric Boulton on injured reserve. He’s dealing with a lower-body injury.
#Isles Transaction: Eric Boulton has been placed on IR (lower body).
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 17, 2015