Ruslan Iskhakov is a 5-foot-8, 165-pound left-shot center who was drafted 43rd by the New York Islanders in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He is 23 years old and he spent his first two seasons in the organization with the University of Connecticut before spending two seasons in Europe.
The Bridgeport Islanders wrapped up their 2023-24 season a week ago, missing out on the Calder Cup playoffs for the second time in as many years. The team was the only in the AHL (American Hockey League) to finish with fewer than 60 points.
Ruslan Iskhakov made his NHL debut in the final game of the regular season for the New York Islanders and will now make his playoff debut in what could be the final game of the postseason.
NHL head coaches have to hire good assistants. They have to set an overarching philosophy, juggle lineup configurations, and do the kind of “man management” that is impossible to track statistically.
There had been a buzz around Ruslan Iskhakov all season. Leading the Bridgeport Islanders with 50 points, it seemed only a matter of time before Iskhakov received his first NHL call-up to the New York Islanders.
The New York Islanders are recalling forward prospect Ruslan Iskhakov, who is expected to make his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.
The Bridgeport Islanders are nearing the end of a disappointing 2023-24 season. With four games to go, they are in last place by seven points in the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Atlantic Division, and if nothing changes between now and the end of the season, they will come in last in the entire league.
While the New York Islanders enter the final stretch of the season seven points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, their affiliate in Bridgeport sits in a less desirable position with the fewest points in the entire American Hockey League (AHL).
Ruslan Iskhakov has had an interesting career journey and is in a position to earn a call-up at any moment. However, the New York Islanders are in a tough position where they might have to make a move to make it happen.
Ruslan Iskhakov leads the Bridgeport Islanders with 12 goals and 16 assists this season and recently his two-goal game was the difference in the team winning and losing.