In a surprising move, the New York Islanders have bolstered their roster by adding veteran forward depth in the form of Liam Foudy, a former first-round pick from the 2018 NHL entry draft. Foudy, who was selected 18th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets, has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Islanders. The deal includes a $775,000 cap hit at the NHL level, with $225K salary in the minors and a guaranteed salary of $275K.
This signing marks a low-risk move for the Islanders, who now have the option to utilize Foudy’s services in the minors or have him compete for a spot on the main roster during training camp. Despite Foudy’s struggles to live up to his top-six forward potential since being drafted, there is still hope that he can make an impact as a bottom-six forward with his speed and body-checking ability. His impressive 60 hits in the 2022-23 season with Columbus showcase his physical presence on the ice.
The Islanders have Foudy under club control through the 2026-27 season, providing him with a stability and opportunity to prove himself on the NHL stage. Perhaps this change of scenery to the Islanders organization will be the catalyst Foudy needs to transition into a full-time NHL player.
With this significant addition to their roster, the Islanders are looking forward to seeing how Foudy will fit into their lineup and contribute to the team’s success. This move has the potential to add depth and versatility to the forward group, giving the Islanders more options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Overall, the signing of Liam Foudy by the Islanders represents a calculated risk that could pay off in the long run. The team is hopeful that Foudy will be able to capitalize on this opportunity and prove himself as a valuable asset to the organization. Only time will tell how this move will impact the Islanders’ roster and their performance on the ice.
