NY Islanders waive two players and trim down roster before preseason game

The New York Islanders placed defenseman Ethan Bear and goaltender Henrik Tikkanen on waivers and assigned 12 other players to their AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Hammers. The roster reductions occurred on Monday ahead of the team's second preseason matchup against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

If Bear and Tikkanen clear waivers, they can both be assigned to Hamilton. The Islanders are expected to field more NHL regulars against the Rangers after previously using a lineup predominantly composed of prospects and AHL players against New Jersey.