New York Islanders on The Hockey News

Liam Foudy Signing Adds Competition To Islanders Forward Depth

By Stefen Rosner,

2024-07-11

On Wednesday night, the New York Islanders came to terms with 24-year-old centerman Liam Foudy.

The former 18th overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018 is coming off a 10-goal, six-assist season with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals, playing 13 total NHL games, 12 with the Nashville Predators, earning three assists.

When the season ended, former head coach and current Nashville general manager Barry Trotz elected not to issue a qualifying offer to his restricted free agent.

So, the Islanders made him theirs, linking him to a one-year, two-way deal.

Foudy has an offensive touch to his game, but his skates are his biggest weapon, whether that's skating up on the rush or getting on the forecheck.

A center by trade, Foudy lined up on the wing for Nashville, but he'll likely slot down the middle of the ice for the Bridgeport Islanders.

There's no coincidence that this signing was made hours after it was confirmed that center prospect Ruslan Iskhakov had decided to head to the KHL.

The Foudy signing certainly was important for Bridgeport, filling a much-needed hole down the middle while also bringing speed and a veteran mindset to a very young minor-league squad.

Foudy also provides depth and, with his NHL experience, can be recalled if the Islanders need help down the middle.

But because Foudy can play wing, he also will provide pressure on two depth forwards when training camp rolls around.

Last season, 23-year-old Simon Holmstrom proved his effectiveness as a shutdown winger and penalty killer. Still, a lack of consistency, particularly in his battle level as the season progressed, made him less effective.

Head coach Patrick Roy needed to see Holmstrom raise that battle level, but I'm not quite sure it ever got to the level it needed to be.

Holmstrom, who we expect will sign his qualifying offer (the deadline is July 15 at 5 PM ET), is a likely shoe-in for an NHL spot, as it would be a shock to see New York waive him at any point.

But, Foudy certainly adds pressure to the likes of Hudson Fasching and Oliver Wahlstrom if Wahlstrom remains with the team after filing for arbitration.

Fasching, 28, failed to bring the energy we saw from him in 2022-23 and is entering the final year of his deal.

The Islanders couldn't take Fasching out of the lineup in his first season on the island, given how effective he was regardless of who he played with.

However, due to injuries and inconsistencies, Fasching wasn't the same player, and the Islanders are hoping he can bounce back in 2024-25.

Before the Foudy signing, Fasching was likely to be New York's 13th forward, potentially winning a fourth-line role if Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin aren't back with the team.

But with the speedy Foudy on the island and the Islanders' lack of cap space, his goal will be to take that spot from Fasching.

Competition at training camp is always vital, as it holds everyone accountable.

After camp, the Islanders will have to decide between waiving one of Fasching, Foudy, or Wahlstrom, as all three must pass through to go to the minors.

The Islanders only have $900,000 in available cap space, with Holmstrom's $874,125 qualifying offer taking the most of it.

So, as of right now, the Islanders don't have enough cap space to bring Wahlstrom back, let alone have Foudy on the roster.

But, if anyone thinks general manager Lou Lamoriello is going into the season only being able to field a 22-man roster, you are mistaken.

Liam Foudy Signing Adds Competition To Islanders Forward Depth

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