New York Islanders re-upped with the captain of their farm squad in Bridgeport Sound Tigers, center Ben Holmstrom(21) for another go at helping guide the youngsters.
He did a very nice job this past season as they scratched their way into a first Calder Cup playoff berth in a long while for the lower Connecticut team.
While he didn’t have his best year in AHL scoring, he still pocketed 20 assists for the third time in his career and hit the 20-point mark for his fifth.
The 29-year was named team captain for his 5th time, while playing more of a checking line role in 2015/2016 than he has in the past but will likely bring up his totals in the upcoming campaign as he gets more comfortable where he is and what his role is.
Who’s knows, he could play himself into an 8th career NHL game. His previous 7 were with draft team Philadelphia Flyers.
He also had a career third 7 fights this past season and that number will likely stay similar.
Ben Holmstrom(23) Philadelphia Flyers
3rd year, undrafted center Ben Holmstrom(23) quietly signed a 1-year contract extension to stay in Philadelphia Flyers‘ system for 2012/2013. He was entering his first year of restricted free agency. There’s zero news of the signing on the team website.
He’s appeared in 7 NHL games over his first two seasons but has yet to strike on the scoresheet.
Last season the 6’1″ 190 lbs. forward wore the “C” for their AHL affiliate Adirondack Phantoms and put up career bests in assists (26), points (41) and penalty minutes (134). These marks were set in 12 less games than he skated in his rookie campaign.
It’s definitely time for the 25-year old to start putting up even better numbers in the team’s prospect system and maybe even chip in some if he can continue the streak of call-ups.