The Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, are facing a challenging journey back to contention after a disastrous 2024-25 season. The team's struggles have prompted significant changes within the organization, from the coaching staff to the roster, as they aim to rebuild and develop future NHL talent.
The 2024-25 season was one the Bridgeport Islanders would likely want to forget. The team finished with a record of 15-50-4-3, the worst in the AHL, and set a league record for home-ice futility with only four wins in 36 games at Total Mortgage Arena. Their home record was a dismal 4-28-1-3, accompanied by a -70 goal differential on home ice. The team was 37 points out of a playoff spot and had a -113 goal differential.
Several factors contributed to the team's poor performance. Horrific goaltending was a primary issue, with the team allowing an average of 4.06 goals per game at home. After Semyon Varlamov suffered a season-ending injury in November, Marcus Hogberg was recalled to the NHL, leaving Jakub Skarek and Henrik Tikkanen to carry the load in Bridgeport. However, neither goalie was able to find consistency. The defense also struggled, giving up 294 goals, which was 43 more than any other AHL team. Injuries to key defensemen like Isaiah George and Grant Hutton further compounded the problem.
Offensively, the team lacked special talent and relied heavily on veterans Chris Terry, Brian Pinho, and Liam Foudy, who accounted for a large percentage of the team's scoring. The power play finished 29th in the league (15.6 percent), and the penalty kill was second-to-last at 74.2 percent.
In light of the disappointing season, New York Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche, who emphasized improving Bridgeport, announced that head coach Rick Kowalsky and his coaching staff would not return. Rocky Thompson, a former NHL player and assistant coach, was named the new head coach, tasked with building a winning culture in Bridgeport. Thompson's assistant coaches will be announced later.
Darche has been active in reshaping the Bridgeport roster through free agency and signings. The team signed veteran center Matthew Highmore to a one-year, two-way contract. To bolster the defense, Ethan Bear and Cole McWard were also signed to one-year, two-way deals. Additionally, AHL contracts were given to forwards Chris Terry, Max Dorrington, Cam Berg, Ross Mitton, and Hunter Drew, as well as defenseman Luke Rowe. The team also signed college-free agent TJ Semptimphelter.
The Islanders are focusing on infusing youth and potential into the team. The AHL club already features prospects like Calle Odelius, Jesse Pulkkinen, Alex Jefferies, and Matthew Maggio. Recent draftees Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson, selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, add to the prospect pool. Aitcheson and Matthew Schaefer, another top prospect, were invited to Canada's World Junior Summer Showcase.
The road back to contention will be a multi-year process. The organization is emphasizing player development and building a strong foundation in Bridgeport. Coach Thompson aims to implement structural changes and foster trust with the players to facilitate their growth.
The potential relocation of the Bridgeport Islanders to Hamilton, Ontario, for the 2026-27 season could provide a fresh start in a stronger hockey market. The move to the renovated TD Coliseum would offer a modern facility and potentially improve attendance, which has been a challenge in Bridgeport.
Despite the challenges, the New York Islanders organization is committed to improving its AHL affiliate. With a new coach, revamped roster, and a focus on player development, the Bridgeport Islanders are striving to create a competitive and successful team that can serve as a valuable asset for the NHL club.
