The New York Islanders finalized their roster decisions ahead of the upcoming NHL season by signing unrestricted free agent defenseman Logan Stanley to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. The move comes as the team addresses its depth on the blue line following the conclusion of the preseason.
Stanley, a 28-year-old blueliner, spent last season split between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres. During the 2025-26 campaign, the 6-foot-7, 231-pound defender posted career-high numbers with nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points across 76 regular-season games, alongside 110 hits and 84 blocks. His journey to Long Island follows a summer of waiting on the open market after his time in Buffalo concluded following a midseason trade.
The decision to secure Stanley’s services arrived after young prospects were given opportunities to claim permanent roster spots during training camp. Ultimately, the front office chose to reassign defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson and Isaiah George, along with forward Cole Eiserman, to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL to gain valuable minor league experience.
With Stanley entering the mix, head coach Peter DeBoer gains a towering physical presence for the defensive rotation. Standing at 6-foot-7, Stanley is expected to slot into the third pairing alongside veteran Scott Mayfield, creating an imposing physical defensive duo. The addition also provides financial flexibility for the franchise while allowing offensive-minded pieces and young standouts like reigning Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer to focus on pushing play up the ice.
Alongside the roster reassignments to Hamilton, the Islanders announced that veteran goaltender Vitek Vanecek was placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment. New York opens its regular-season schedule on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, giving Stanley little time to settle in before game action begins.
