Griffin Reinhart will start the year with the Islanders.
islanders.nhl.com

The Islanders announced their roster earlier today. Among the notables who made the team are rookies Brock Nelson and Griffin Reinhart. The 21-year old Nelson is a former 2010 first round pick who made his debut in the playoffs last Spring. The center impressed enough to make the roster fulfilling expectations. If all goes accordingly, he could add offensive depth.

Joining Nelson is 19-year old defenseman Reinhart. With top defenseman Travis Hamonic uncertain for the season’s start, he’ll get an opportunity to prove himself. The Islanders can play him nine games before deciding whether to return the 2012 fourth overall selection back to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The older brother of projected 2014 No.1 overall pick Sam Reinhart performed well during preseason. With 23-year old rookie blueliner Matt Donovan also on the roster, the club can be more patient with Reinhart. When healthy, the Isles’ blueline will feature Hamonic, Andrew MacDonald, Lubomir Visnovsky, Brian Strait, Matt Carkner, Thomas Hickey and Donovan. They optioned Calvin de Haan to Bridgeport. The former 2009 first round pick still isn’t quite ready. He’ll start his second pro year with the Sound Tigers.

Up front, new captain John Tavares leads a talented group that includes Josh Bailey, Michael Grabner, Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo. The remaining forwards are Eric Boulton, Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin, Colin McDonald, Nelson and Peter Regin. New acquisition Cal Clutterbuck will start the season on the injured list.

One player who didn’t make it was Ryan Strome. The 20-year old former 2011 first round pick begins his first pro season in Bridgeport. A gifted player with terrific hands, he’ll get the chance to develop first. He’s the kind of guy that can make an impact but shouldn’t be rushed. He’ll join Johan Sundstrom, who could be the first forward recalled. The 21-year old Swede enters his second pro season after tallying 32 points (11-21-32) last year.

The goalies are Evgeni Nabokov and Kevin Poulin. Here’s the roster breakdown.

GOALIES: Evgeni Nabokov, Kevin Poulin

DEFENSEMEN: Matt Carkner, Matt Donovan, Thomas Hickey, Travis Hamonic, Andrew MacDonald, Griffin Reinhart, Brian Strait, Lubomir Visnovsky

FORWARDS: Josh Bailey, Eric Boulton, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, Michael Grabner, Matt Martin, Colin McDonald, Matt Moulson, Brock Nelson, Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, Peter Regin, John Tavares