The first casualty of the Patrick Roy era was Julien Gauthier.
The Islanders placed the 26-year-old winger on waivers on Friday after Gauthier suffered a healthy scrape in the final game before the All-Star break and sat on the bench in the game against Montreal before that.
While the exact impact of this transfer is not entirely clear, three players were placed on injured reserve or long-term injured reserve, including at least one player, Casey Cizikas, Robert Bortuzzo, and Ryan Pulock. This will pave the way for people to return to the team in the near future. future.
If center Kyle McClain (who was sent back to AHL Bridgeport to continue playing before the All-Star break) remains in the American League, a second roster spot will become available.
But if none of this is healthy, it’s either Gauthier simply wasn’t able to impress Roy, or the Isles are expecting more players now that Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan have already been traded and the trade market is open. Maybe he’s trying to make a move.
Gauthier, who played in 27 games with the Islanders, will likely be assigned to the AHL if he is granted waivers.
The former Ranger and Senator played in 27 games for the Isles this season after the team left training camp, posting five goals and four assists.
His straight line and speed allowed him to crack the lineup regularly under Lane Lambert, usually on the third line while Oliver Wahlstrom served as the odd forward out.
But Gauthier’s firing is a sign that Roy liked what he saw in Wahlstrom’s 10:14 game against the Panthers last Saturday, and his tenure with the Isles appears to be coming to an end. A potential lifeline for the 23-year-old forward, who looks like a potential lifeline. Many times this season.
