After spending a few days off the New York Islanders NHL roster, Simon Holmstrom is back with the team as they hit the ice Thursday morning.

EAST MEADOW, NY -- After having off on Wednesday, the New York Islanders were back on the practice sheet at Northwell Ice Center Thursday morning. 

As expected, 22-year-old Simon Holmstrom rejoined the club after being sent to Bridgeport ahead of Monday's 5 PM roster compliance deadline.

The likelihood that Holmstrom actually made the trip to Connecticut is rather slim, as it was a clear paper transaction with the Swedish forward waiver-exempt. 

Given his expected role with the squad, skating alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal for most of training camp, preseason, and practice, the Islanders did have to make sure they had enough cap space to recall him.

That additional cap space came after Ross Johnston and his $1.1 million were waived Monday. Whether he passed through waivers or was claimed, that cap hit would have come off the books, creating enough space for Holmstrom's $863,333, per CapFriendly. 

Johnston was claimed Tuesday afternoon by the Anaheim Ducks, but the Islanders waited until Thursday morning to recall Holmstrom due to having an off day and cap accrual. 

The expectation is that Holmstrom will skate on the top line at Thursday's practice as he tries to solidify that role by Saturday. 

The Islanders now have $524,667 in cap space. 

This story will be updated following the skate.