Islanders Give Ben Hutton a Tryout Amid Defensive Injuries
The New York Islanders invited veteran defenseman Ben Hutton to training camp on a professional tryout as injuries depleted their blue line. Hutton joined the team for practice on November 2.
Hutton, 33, joined the Islanders for his first practice on November 2 after receiving a call over the weekend. New York has lost Alexander Romanov for the season and expects Ryan Pulock to miss two to four weeks, creating an opening for defensive help.
Hutton spent the previous five years with the Vegas Golden Knights. He recorded six goals and nine assists during the 2025-26 season, but did not secure a contract in free agency. A tryout with his hometown Ottawa Senators in September also ended without a deal, and he remained in Ottawa while waiting for another opportunity.
“I just kept my work boots on and stayed ready,” Hutton said. He added that he hopes to make the most of the chance. Islanders coach Pete DeBoer said he was pleasantly surprised by Hutton’s condition after practice, despite his lack of recent competitive games.
DeBoer coached Hutton in Vegas and described him as experienced and versatile, noting that he became an important contributor on a deep defense there. With Romanov and Pulock unavailable, Scott Mayfield has returned to the lineup, alongside Logan Stanley and Matt Kessel. Hutton’s tryout gives New York another option as it assesses its depleted defense.