Unlike Victor Eklund, Kashawn Aitcheson Not Ready to Help Islanders on Ice

The New York Islanders announced multiple roster moves on Monday, calling up defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson and forward Pierre Engvall while placing Matias Maccelli and Cal Ritchie on injured reserve. The call-ups are paper transactions to provide general manager Mathieu Darche with salary cap flexibility under NHL collective bargaining rules, meaning Aitcheson is not expected to play in the NHL immediately.

Steve Bittenbender argues that Aitcheson needs more development time following a difficult minus-seven start with the AHL's Hamilton Hammers. In contrast, fellow draft pick Victor Eklund has already earned the trust of coach Pete DeBoer, scoring three goals while filling in for the injured forwards.