When Mathieu Darche was named general manager of the New York Islanders, he emphasized that improving Bridgeport, the team’s AHL affiliate, would be a priority.

Looking at the market for right-handed defensemen, there was one move that made overwhelming sense for the Islanders.

Just when it looked like the New York Islanders were closing out a quiet offseason, general manager (GM) Mathieu Darche made a big signing. The deal wasn’t big in terms of the money spent or even the length of the contract,