New York Islanders Assign Matt Carkner to AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers

New York Islanders defenseman Matt Carkner hasn't played a game in 2014-15, out since preseason with a back injury that reportedly required surgery.

Now he's back, ready to make his season debut...in the AHL. After he came off injured reserve and cleared waivers over the weekend, the Islanders loaned Carkner to their affiliate in Bridgeport, where the struggling Sound Tigers already boast a crowded, young blueline.

The bio details from the team announcement:

Carkner, 34, has played 237 games in the National Hockey League over a seven-year career with the Islanders, Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks. The Winchester, Ont., native opened the 2014-15 season on injured reserve with a back injury and has yet to play a game.

The Islanders signed Carkner as a free agent on July 1, 2012. He’s played 75 games for the Islanders over three years.

It will be the well-traveled Carkner's fourth AHL squad, too. But he's taken the long road to the NHL, through the AHL, and he's not afraid to go back:

Thanks for all those wishing me luck in Bridgeport. I'm excited to get back playing! Hoping to get my game back quick. Go isles/tigers!

— Matt Carkner (@CarknerMatt) February 16, 2015