The New York Islanders announced Tuesday that they have inked forward Joey Larson to a two‑year, two‑way contract, a move that adds depth to the team's forward corps as the club looks to build on its recent playoff push.
Larson, a 25‑year‑old native of Brighton, Michigan, arrives after a breakout season with the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League, where he posted 17 goals and 11 assists in 63 games.
His 17 goals placed him third on the Bridgeport roster, and his 28 points marked a significant step in his professional development after a late‑season debut in the AHL during the 2024‑25 campaign.
Collegiate pedigree and championship experience
Larson's collegiate pedigree includes two seasons at Michigan State University, where he helped the Spartans capture back‑to‑back Big Ten Championships in 2024 and 2025, and a single year at Northern Michigan University before that.
Across 111 college appearances he tallied 39 goals and 44 assists for 83 points, earning a spot on the CCHA All‑Rookie Team in 2022‑23 and emerging as a leader with 16 goals in the 2023‑24 season.
What the deal means for the Islanders
The two‑way nature of the contract provides the coaching staff with flexibility to deploy Larson in both the NHL and AHL depending on matchups and injuries, ensuring the team can maintain offensive momentum throughout the grueling 82‑game schedule.
General Manager Lou Lamoriello praised the signing, noting Larson's work ethic and versatility, while the player expressed excitement about contributing to the Islanders' competitive culture.
Looking ahead
With the organization’s depth chart opening up, Larson is expected to battle for a bottom‑six role, and his experience on the power play could prove valuable in special‑teams situations as the Islanders aim to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs.