Islanders Training Camp Cuts: Sound Tigers group assigned, NHL competition still wide open

The New York Islanders made the first big cuts of 2014 training camp, but the names moved are as expected, with several players already ticketed for Bridgeport simply being assigned to that AHL group from camp.

The Islanders training camp roster now stands at 47 players (28 forwards, 15 defensemen, four goalies), which consist of two groups for practice sessions.

The moves from the official site:

Forward Sebastian Collberg and defensemen Loic Leduc, Andrey Pedan, Adam Pelech and Jesse Graham (LHH edit: all on entry level contracts) have been assigned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League.

Forwards Justin Courtnall, Colton Gillies, Chris Langkow , C.J. Stretch and Scooter Vaughan, along with defenseman Mark Nemec and goalie Shane Owen have been released from professional tryout contracts (LHH edit: the contracts that allowed these AHLers to participate in NHL camp).

Forward Ross Johnston and goalie Philippe Trudeau have been released from amateur tryout contracts.

Forward Lukas Sutter has been transferred to Sound Tigers training camp.

Also, a report that Brett Gallant is on waivers, no doubt for assignment to Bridgeport.

So, this sets up the final couple week-plus of camp as Bridgeport Sound Tigers camp officially begins. But none of the key roster decisions have been made. No one assigned to Bridgeport today needs waivers to get there. The competition for NHL roster spots is still wide open. And more heralded prospects like Griffin Reinhart, Ryan Pulock and Ville Pokka are still with the NHL groups.

Oh, and speaking of those last few: 38-year-old Lubomir Visnovsky is now out day to day with back spasms. It sounds far from serious, but you know how it is when you get up there in age. (And if you don't, you'll find out one day. Trust me.)