The Islanders inked right-winger Joey Larson to an entry-level contract. It’s a one-year deal for next season, and it’s unclear whether they plan on having him join AHL Bridgeport for the remainder of 2024-25.
The 24-year-old undrafted free agent turns pro out of Michigan State, where he spent the latter two of his three collegiate seasons after transferring from Northern Michigan. Compared to most NHLers, the 6’1″, 196-lb forward has had a significantly delayed development path. Initially eligible for selection in the 2019 draft, he was playing as low as the Tier II junior North American Hockey League as late as the 2020-21 campaign – by which virtually any drafted player in his age group would have been either wrapping up a major junior career, playing against professionals in Europe, or skating in the college ranks.
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That hasn’t stopped Larson from being a productive collegiate player, even if his age played a significant factor in how much he was able to contribute. He posted 39-44–83 in 111 NCAA appearances, including 10-14–24 in 37 games with the Spartans this season. That output was the lowest of his trio of college seasons, down from the career-high 16 goals and 32 points he scored in 38 games with Michigan State in 2023-24.
Aside from taking up a contract spot, there’s no downside in signing Larson to see how he adjusts to the pros. Still, it’s surprising to see him land an NHL deal when more productive college free agents his age, like Hobey Baker finalist Liam McLinskey, have had to settle for AHL contracts.