IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Nov 3, 2026 7:15 PM
New York’s defensive depth chart gains a veteran presence as management maneuvers the salary cap, positioning the veteran blueliner for a permanent roster spot through strategic roster management.
On Sunday, the New York Islanders signed left-shot defenseman Ben Hutton to a professional tryout.
Let's explain what that means:
- Mid-season PTOs allow for a 10-day evaluation window
- The Islanders have until Nov. 11 to sign him or release him
- Over that time, he can practice and travel but cannot play
- He carries no cap hit while on PTO -- gets per diem and expense coverage
- If another team offers Hutton a contract while he's on this PTO, the Islanders have 48 hours to match the offer
- Hutton does not need waivers if signed -- only if the Islanders want to option him to Hamilton
- He is not guaranteed a contract
- They can sign him whenever they'd like
- If Islanders sign Hutton to a one-year deal, it would be prorated like we saw when Tony DeAngelo signed a few years ago
- However, his cap hit would not be prorated -- league minimum $850,000 or greater, depending on the deal offered
- The Islanders play two games over the course of his 10-game evaluation period
The Islanders don't necessarily need to sign Hutton as of right now. They currently have six healthy defenseman and with George down in the minors, the Islanders are accruing cap space.
Expect him to sign a one-year prorated deal by the time his PTO ends.
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