The Islanders have placed defenseman Johnny Boychuk on injured reserve with an upper body injury. Boychuk went crashing into the boards in the third period of Thursday night's 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. There currently is no timetable for his return but he is eligible to come off IR in time for next Thursday's game vs the Washington Capitals.
The Isles recalled defenseman Adam Pelech from Bridgeport. It is curious that the left-handed Pelech was recalled over Ryan Pulock. Boychuk is a right-handed shot. Pulock is also a right-handed shot. Perhaps one reason why Pelech was chosen over Pulock is that Pelech plays on the Sound Tigers' penalty kill while Pulock does not.
While Pulock's offensive numbers are down from last season in Bridgeport. He has been playing a more complete game. He's been positioning himself better and asserting himself more in the defensive game. Since Marek Zidlicky usually does not play in back-to-back games Pelech should get a chance this weekend.
In other news, The Oshawa Generals have traded Michael Dal Colle to the Kingston Frontenacs. The 2014 first-round-pick has struggled this season. Dal Colle has scored just 8 goals in 30 games. He also failed to make to Canadian junior team for the second straight year. Dal Colle was named the captain of the Generals prior to the season. The 19-year-old also struggled during the Islanders training camp. Hopefully this trade will be a wake-up call for him.
Michael Dal Colle to Kingston, Gens get Robbie Burt, two 2nds, two 3rds. Big price for rental but reality in OHL.
— Josh Brown (@BrownRecord) January 1, 2016