Islanders prospect Robin Salo has been at the AHL level for a while now. So long that we’ve almost forgotten about him. How is the young defenseman doing with the B-Isles?
I'd say Bolduc has surpassed Salo on the depth chart for NHL readiness, in regard to 2023 – 2024 training camp. He is better than Salo in most facets of the game (shot, strength, size, confidence). I hope Salo can return to form. Isles have a nice group of Scandanavian defencemen: Aho, Salo, Odelius and ideally, they need one of them to be a solid bottom pair d-man next year. Personally, I'm fine with Aho and am happy for him that he is being rewarded for his loyalty and work on his game to be given a full time shot this year. I think he's tried to simplify his game and mind his own end of the ice a little better. He doesn't have the size, but his skill and skating can help him get the puck out of trouble on the dump in. It's when puck possession is established and the other team starts cycling the puck and there are board battles, that Aho is at the disadvantage. Do you see Aho back for another year next year? Are you thinking Bolduc steps up and the Isles also resign Mayfield, so Aho is the odd man out? I get the feeling Lou will try to re-sign Mayfield. Mayfield has been really loyal to the team and a good footsoldier at a very team friendly salary for what he puts his body through on the PK, blocking shots, taking the body and late game situations. Thanks for the content, Mitch.
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As a season ticket holder In Bridgeport I see him every game and he looks uncomfortable out there
I'd say Bolduc has surpassed Salo on the depth chart for NHL readiness, in regard to 2023 – 2024 training camp. He is better than Salo in most facets of the game (shot, strength, size, confidence). I hope Salo can return to form. Isles have a nice group of Scandanavian defencemen: Aho, Salo, Odelius and ideally, they need one of them to be a solid bottom pair d-man next year. Personally, I'm fine with Aho and am happy for him that he is being rewarded for his loyalty and work on his game to be given a full time shot this year. I think he's tried to simplify his game and mind his own end of the ice a little better. He doesn't have the size, but his skill and skating can help him get the puck out of trouble on the dump in. It's when puck possession is established and the other team starts cycling the puck and there are board battles, that Aho is at the disadvantage.
Do you see Aho back for another year next year?
Are you thinking Bolduc steps up and the Isles also resign Mayfield, so Aho is the odd man out? I get the feeling Lou will try to re-sign Mayfield.
Mayfield has been really loyal to the team and a good footsoldier at a very team friendly salary for what he puts his body through on the PK, blocking shots, taking the body and late game situations.
Thanks for the content, Mitch.
I think his NA hockey career is coming to a close. Wouldn’t be shocked to see him go back to Europe.
As someone who watches the B isles, how does he look defensively according to the eye test?
Give salo some time. Bolduc is looking amazing though. Bolduc & Ishkakov would boost the NY isles PP & offense immediately