New York Islanders
· 2026-06-28
The New York Islanders acquired the signing rights to defenseman Ryan Healey from the Minnesota Wild.
Healey, 22, was originally selected by the Wild in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
The Islanders got Healey's signing rights in exchange for future considerations.
This move gives the Islanders control over Healey's NHL signing rights until August 15.
Healey had a strong collegiate career at Harvard University, with 19 goals and 36 assists in 130 games.
He finished second among Harvard defensemen in scoring during the 2025-26 season.
The Islanders now have the opportunity to evaluate Healey at development camp before making a contract decision.
If the Islanders sign Healey, he is expected to begin his professional career next season with AHL Hamilton.
The Islanders are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 43-34 record, on a L3 streak.
Healey's addition could provide a boost to the team's blue line, which has been a focus area for improvement.
And with Healey's experience playing in the United States Hockey League, he may be able to make a smooth transition to the AHL.
But the Islanders will need to sign him to an entry-level contract by August 15 to keep his rights.
So the team will be watching him closely at development camp to determine whether he is ready for the next level.
Healey's best offensive campaign came during the 2023-24 season, when he finished with 22 points in 29 games.
He also earned NCAA All-Ivy League First Team honors after being named to the ECAC All-Rookie Team as a freshman.
The Islanders are hoping that Healey can bring some of that scoring punch to their organization.