Fasching Finds Home With Islanders, Inks 2-Year Extension

Hudson Fasching found a home with the New York Islanders this season and he's here to stay, inking a two-year extension.

For Hudson Fasching, his 2022-23 season felt like a dream.

Despite a strong showing at training camp, Fasching was sent back to the AHL, which was nothing new for him.

However, after grinding in Bridgeport, Fasching was recalled in late November, as the Islanders dealt with injuries. He debuted with New York on Dec. 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks. 

"They definitely saw me as somebody who was a veteran who could manage call-ups pretty well, going up and down my whole career," Fasching said. "I was somebody that they could plug into the lineup right away, and so for me, it was just kind of about showing them what other parts of my game I had to offer in Bridgeport."

After 280 AHL games over a span of six years, the 27-year-old stuck at the NHL level, playing in 49 games, scoring 10 goals with nine assists.

A bottom-six forward, Fasching was smart without the puck and fit in perfectly on the fourth line during Cal Clutterbuck's absence.

But even when Clutterbuck returned, Fasching -- through his play -- gave his head coach Lane Lambert no choice but to play him. 

Fasching was used up and down the lineup due to his consistent game, even earning shifts alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. 

"They", that infamous they, says hard work pays off, and although Fasching has worked hard even before being drafted in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Kings in 2013, he was ever-deserving of a contract extension.

The fans thought so. The media thought so. And the Islanders thought so, as they inked Fasching to a two-year extension worth $1.150 million ($750k AAV). 

"Yeah, I mean, that's the dream, right?" Fasching said when asked about the potential of signing a multi-year deal. "That's what everybody in the minors is working towards, and it's something I've worked hard for, so hopefully that's something that my future."

For the first time in Fasching's career, his contract does not say two-way.

Making it to the NHL is one thing. Sticking is another.

"I think it's a culmination of a lot of years of work to get here, and yeah, it felt really good to have this success later this year. And to make the jump to the NHL for a prolonged period of time was a big success for me for sure."

As for wanting to return to the organization: "I've really enjoyed being here, and this organization just feels like a really good fit for me. From the front office, I think it's a very family-oriented organization, and they're very big on that here, and that's very big for me as well. And obviously, on ice, it seems to mesh well. So yeah, I'm very happy here." 

Hudson Fasching now enters the offseason in unfamiliar waters, with a contract in the books. But that doesn't mean the work stops.

"You set the bar for yourself, and you have to keep raising the bar," Fasching said. "And yeah, I mean, I think putting in summer training and trying to find ways to make my game better and a way to contribute more next year [is important]. 

"This is what I've always worked towards, and to be able to look down on the season and be like I finished the season playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's kind of a dream come true for me. And so I'm just so excited for the summer, just to be better again next year."