According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the New York Islanders have placed depth forward Marc Gatcomb on waivers. The team will reassign him to the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders tomorrow if he clears waivers.
Today’s waiver placement isn’t as much of a condemnation of Gatcomb’s play as it is a recognition of his spot on the totem pole. The Islanders desperately need to recall a defenseman due to Alexander Romanov’s recent struggles with injuries. Other than Kyle MacLean, Gatcomb has one of the likeliest chances to pass through waivers unscathed.
Gatcomb had only skated in one game for the Islanders this year, skating in 8:33 of action. Although he didn’t register any points, he made himself known in the October 11th matchup against the Washington Capitals, laying seven hits on the opposition.
Regardless, it’s probably not the last time we’ll see him with New York this season. Gatcomb split the season last year, scoring eight goals and one assist in 39 NHL games, with another nine goals and 17 points in 35 AHL contests. A year before, he scored nine goals and 20 points in 61 games for the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks.
Once Gatcomb is off the active roster tomorrow, either through reassignment or a waiver claim, it’s expected that the Islanders will recall Isaiah George or Marshall Warren to replace Romanov in the active lineup.
I’d pick up Gatcomb if I were a team in need of a decent forward. Played well last season from what I could tell.