The Hamilton Hammers roster preview gives fans an early look at the players expected to make an impact during the team’s inaugural season. With a new roster taking shape, there are plenty of questions about the team’s key players, strengths, and what fans can expect when the Hammers hit the ice.
Goaltenders
Joshua Kotai — New York Islanders, signed through 2028
6-foot-3, 175 lbs | 23 years old | Abbotsford, BC, Canada
2025-26: 35 GP, 20-11-4, 1.99 GAA, .938 SV%, 0 SO, 3 assists — Augustana (CCHA)
Kotai enters the season as one of Hamilton’s top goaltending prospects after another year of development in professional hockey. The 23-year-old has continued to establish himself as a reliable young netminder with good athleticism and composure. This season will be an opportunity for him to compete for significant starts while continuing his progression toward becoming an NHL option.
Henrik Tikkanen — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-8, 222 lbs | 25 years old | Lohja, Finland
2025-26: 29 GP, 17-9-1, 2.65 GAA, .897 SV%, 4 EN, 1 SO — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26: 8 GP, 5-2-1, 2.03 GAA, .929 SV%, 1 EN, 2 SO — Worcester Railers (ECHL)
Tikkanen arrives after an impressive 2025-26 season, where he posted strong numbers and regained the consistency that made him one of the Islanders’ intriguing goaltending prospects. Standing at 6-foot-8, he gives shooters very little net to look at and will challenge for the starting job immediately. If he carries over last year’s play, Hamilton could have one of the better goaltending tandems in the AHL.
Ryan Fanti — One-year AHL contract
6-foot-3, 200 lbs | 26 years old | Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
2025-26: 13-12-1, 2.41 GAA, .905 SV%, 9 EN, 2 SO — Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
Fanti joins Hamilton after spending last season between the AHL and ECHL, where he continued to prove he can handle a heavy workload. His quick reflexes and competitiveness make him an excellent depth option, and he’ll push the other two goalies throughout training camp.
Defence
Ryan Healey — One-year AHL contract
6-foot-0, 183 lbs | 22 years old | Hull, MA
2025-26: 34 GP, 4 G, 8 A, 12 PTS, 28 PIM, +1 — Harvard University (ECAC)
Healey enjoyed another productive collegiate season, showing strong puck-moving ability while playing in all situations. He isn’t flashy, but he makes smart decisions with the puck and should transition well to the professional game. Hamilton will likely use him in a middle-pairing role while he adjusts to the speed of the AHL.
Ethan Bear — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
5-foot-11, 219 lbs | 29 years old | Regina, SK
2025-26: 40 GP, 4 G, 23 A, 27 PTS, 14 PIM, +6 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 0 PIM — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Bear is arguably the biggest addition to Hamilton’s defence. Last season, he returned to professional hockey and demonstrated that he can still play top-four minutes while providing leadership and stability. His NHL experience will be invaluable for the younger defencemen, and he’ll likely quarterback one of Hamilton’s power-play units.
Jesse Pulkkinen — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-6, 215 lbs | 21 years old | Jyväskylä, Finland
2025-26: 36 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18 PTS, 14 PIM, -7 — Worcester Railers (ECHL)
2025-26: 20 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS, 6 PIM, -10 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Pulkkinen continued his development last season, using his size and skating ability to become a dependable two-way defenceman. The Islanders believe he has significant upside, and Hamilton fans should expect him to receive plenty of opportunities in defensive situations while continuing to refine his offensive game.
Luke Rowe — AHL contract through 2027
6-foot-1, 200 lbs | 28 years old | Succasunna, NJ
2025-26: 62 GP, 2 G, 11 A, 13 PTS, 91 PIM, +11 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 2 PTS, 2 PIM — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Rowe had a solid season, earning praise for his steady defensive play and leadership. He isn’t known for high offensive totals, but he consistently limits scoring chances against and plays a dependable, physical style that should translate well to the professional ranks.
Kashawn Aitcheson — New York Islanders, signed through 2029
6-foot-2, 203 lbs | 19 years old | Toronto, ON, Canada
2025-26: 56 GP, 28 G, 42 A, 70 PTS, 97 PIM, +46 — Barrie (OHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 19 GP, 8 G, 19 A, 27 PTS, 25 PIM — Barrie (OHL)
One of the organization’s most exciting young prospects, Aitcheson dominated in junior hockey last season with his combination of physicality, offensive instincts, and skating ability. He plays with an edge, isn’t afraid to step up physically, and has the tools to become a top-pairing NHL defenceman. Hamilton fans should enjoy watching his development.
Calle Odelius — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-0, 192 lbs | 22 years old | Nykvarn, Sweden
2025-26: 23 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 PTS, 4 PIM, -7 — Worcester Railers (ECHL)
2025-26: 20 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS, 2 PIM, -6 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Odelius continued developing against professional competition last season, where his skating and puck-moving ability stood out once again. His hockey IQ allows him to escape pressure and transition the puck quickly. While he may need time to adjust to North American hockey, his skill level is undeniable.
Marshall Warren — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
5-foot-11, 195 lbs | 25 years old | Laurel Hollow, NY
2025-26: 56 GP, 6 G, 26 A, 32 PTS, 30 PIM, +13 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26: 8 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS, 4 PIM, Even — New York Islanders (NHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS, 2 PIM — Bridgeport Islanders
Warren completed another strong season before continuing with the Islanders organization. He’s a reliable two-way defender who can contribute offensively without sacrificing his defensive responsibilities. His mature game could allow him to earn important minutes early.
Matthew Kessel — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-3, 212 lbs | 26 years old | Bloomfield Hills, MI
2025-26: 29 GP, 2 G, 1 A, 3 PTS, 10 PIM, +1 — St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Kessel brings valuable AHL experience after another dependable professional season. He moves the puck well, defends effectively, and provides organizational depth. His experience should help stabilize Hamilton’s defence while mentoring younger players.
Brandon Scanlin — AHL contract through 2027
6-foot-4, 222 lbs | 27 years old | Hamilton, ON
2025-26: 49 GP, 4 G, 7 A, 11 PTS, 54 PIM, -5 — Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)
At 6-foot-3 and 223 pounds, Scanlin gives Hamilton a sizeable presence on the blue line. He is a left-shot defenceman whose game is built more around defending, positioning, and physical play than putting up huge offensive numbers. Elite Prospects classifies him as a defensive defenceman, which gives a good indication of what Hammers fans should expect from him.
Forwards
Cole Eiserman — New York Islanders, signed through 2029
6-foot-0, 201 lbs | Newburyport, MA
2025-26: 32 GP, 18 G, 10 A, 28 PTS, 14 PIM, -9 — Boston University (H-East)
2025-26: 12 GP, 2 G, 7 A, 9 PTS, 2 PIM, -4 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Few players on the roster possess Eiserman’s offensive upside. The Islanders’ first-round pick followed another outstanding freshman season at Boston University, showcasing the elite shot that made him one of hockey’s top prospects. If he adjusts quickly to the professional game, he has the potential to become one of Hamilton’s leading scorers.
Daniil Prokhorov — New York Islanders, signed through 2029
6-foot-5, 209 lbs | 19 years old | Krasnodar, Russia
2025-26: 25 GP, 9 G, 9 A, 18 PTS, 14 PIM, +1 — St. Petersburg Dynamo (Rus-VHL)
2025-26: 23 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS, 2 PIM, -2 — Moscow Dynamo (KHL)
2025-26: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 0 PIM, Even — Bridgeport Islanders
The big Russian winger continued developing overseas last season, displaying excellent hands for a player his size while improving his overall consistency. He has legitimate power-forward potential and should become a difficult player for opponents to handle along the boards.
Quinn Finley — New York Islanders, signed through 2028
6-foot-0, 192 lbs | 22 years old | Valparaiso, IN
2025-26: 37 GP, 17 G, 16 A, 33 PTS, 22 PIM, -1 — University of Wisconsin (Big Ten)
Finley enjoyed another productive NCAA season, continuing to improve his offensive game while becoming a more complete player away from the puck. His speed and work ethic make him an ideal middle-six forward capable of contributing on both special teams.
Gleb Veremyev — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-4, 205 lbs | 23 years old | Monroe Township, NJ
2025-26: 22 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 4 PTS, 13 PIM, -5 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26: 36 GP, 6 G, 10 A, 16 PTS, 23 PIM, -1 — Worcester Islanders (ECHL)
Veremyev spent last season refining his two-way game and becoming a more reliable center. While his offensive numbers may not jump off the page, his defensive awareness and ability to win faceoffs make him an important player for Hamilton’s depth.
Liam Foudy — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-2, 183 lbs | 26 years old | Scarborough, ON, Canada
2025-26: 60 GP, 26 G, 21 A, 47 PTS, 14 PIM, Even — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 0 PIM, Even — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 0 PIM, Even — New York Islanders (NHL)
Foudy had another productive AHL campaign, using his elite speed to create offense and pressure defenders. He has NHL experience and should immediately become one of Hamilton’s fastest players. Expect him to play in key situations throughout the season.
Daylan Kuefler — New York Islanders, signed through 2028
6-foot-2, 196 lbs | 24 years old | Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
2025-26: 67 GP, 10 G, 15 A, 25 PTS, 64 PIM, +4 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 2 PIM — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Kuefler built on a strong collegiate career with another productive offensive season before signing with the Islanders. He plays with energy, finishes checks, and has enough offensive skill to contribute throughout the lineup. His transition to professional hockey will be worth watching.
Matthew Highmore — AHL contract through 2028
5-foot-11, 192 lbs | 30 years old | Halifax, NS
2025-26: 70 GP, 15 G, 25 A, 40 PTS, 24 PIM, -3 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 2 PIM — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Highmore becomes one of the veteran leaders on the roster after another solid professional season. He brings NHL experience, penalty-killing ability, and leadership that every young team needs. Expect him to wear a letter and play in every important defensive situation.
Cam Thiesing — AHL contract through 2027
6-foot-0, 189 lbs | 25 years old | Franklin, TN
2025-26: 63 GP, 9 G, 8 A, 17 PTS, 47 PIM, +4 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 0 PIM — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Thiesing enjoyed a productive NCAA season highlighted by strong offensive numbers and consistent effort. He plays with pace, competes hard, and has the versatility to move throughout the lineup depending on Hamilton’s needs.
Matt Luff — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-3, 219 lbs | 29 years old | Oakville, ON
2025-26: 42 GP, 14 G, 25 A, 39 PTS, 29 PIM, -14 — Springfield Falcons (AHL)
2025-26: 20 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 13 PTS, 2 PIM, Even — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26: 5 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PT, -2 — St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Luff enters the season as one of Hamilton’s most accomplished offensive players. Last season, he once again proved he can score consistently at the AHL level while bringing valuable NHL experience. He’ll likely be counted on to lead the team’s offense and mentor the younger forwards.
Mitchell Chaffee — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-1, 197 lbs | 28 years old | Grand Rapids, MI
2025-26: 54 GP, 24 G, 33 A, 57 PTS, 57 PIM, +7 — Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PT, 0 PIM — Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
2025-26: 11 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PT, 4 PIM, -2 — Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
After spending much of last season contributing at the NHL level while remaining a proven offensive producer in the AHL, Chaffee arrives as one of Hamilton’s premier power forwards. He combines size, skill, and goal-scoring ability, making him a legitimate top-line player whenever he’s in the lineup.
Jesse Nurmi — New York Islanders, signed through 2028
5-foot-11, 174 lbs | 21 years old | Valkeala, Finland
2025-26 Season: 12 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS, 4 PIM, -1 — Worcester Railers (ECHL)
2025-26 Season: 30 GP, 14 G, 17 A, 31 PTS, 10 PIM, -3 — London Knights (OHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 4 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PT, 0 PIM
Nurmi continued his development in Finland, showing flashes of the offensive creativity that made him an intriguing prospect. He’s a skilled winger with excellent vision who could surprise if he adapts quickly to North American hockey.
Max Ellis — One-year AHL contract through 2027
5-foot-9, 171 lbs | 26 years old | Plymouth, MI
2025-26: 16 GP, 4 G, 0 A, 4 PTS, 6 PIM, -2 — Shanghai Dragons (KHL)
2025-26: 36 GP, 12 G, 14 A, 26 PTS, 19 PIM, -5 — Sochi HC (KHL)
Max Ellis is an American professional hockey player from Plymouth, Michigan, who has built an impressive career through hard work and determination. After starring at Notre Dame, where he led the team with 16 goals and 28 points during his junior season and earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors, Ellis signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He went on to play 87 AHL games with the Toronto Marlies, recording 34 points, before continuing his career overseas with Jukurit in Finland and then the KHL.
Joey Larson — New York Islanders, signed through 2028
6-foot-1, 196 lbs | 25 years old | Brighton, MI
2025-26: 63 GP, 17 G, 11 A, 28 PTS, 21 PIM, -5 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Joey Larson is a 25-year-old right-shot forward from Brighton, Michigan, who is entering the 2026-27 season as an important part of the Hamilton Hammers’ forward group. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 196 pounds, Larson enjoyed a strong first full professional season with the Bridgeport Islanders in 2025-26, scoring 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points in 63 games, with his 17 goals ranking third on the team.
Larson originally joined the Islanders after completing his NCAA career, spending time at Northern Michigan and Michigan State. With the Spartans, he helped win back-to-back Big Ten Championships in 2024 and 2025 and finished his college career with 83 points in 111 games. After making his professional debut with Bridgeport in 2024-25, Larson quickly established himself as a goal-scoring option at the AHL level.
For the Hammers, Larson represents a player with legitimate offensive upside and valuable professional experience. His two-year, two-way contract with the Islanders, signed on July 22, 2026, keeps him in the organization while giving Hamilton a proven young forward who could become an important contributor during the club’s inaugural season.
Alex Jefferies — New York Islanders, signed through 2027
6-foot-0, 194 lbs | 24 years old | Lunenburg, MA
2025-26: 60 GP, 9 G, 20 A, 29 PTS, 46 PIM, -2 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
Jefferies is a 6-foot, roughly 195-pound right-shot forward who has built his game around skating, puck movement, and creating chances rather than simply being a straight-line power forward. His scouting profile emphasizes his pace, quick feet, ability to attack through the neutral zone, and strong vision and passing ability.
Victor Eklund — New York Islanders, signed through 2028
5-foot-11, 161 lbs | 19 years old | Stockholm, Sweden
2025-26: 43 GP, 6 G, 18 A, 24 PTS, 22 PIM, +8 — Djurgårdens IF (SWEHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 3 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS, 4 PIM — Djurgårdens IF (SWEHL)
2025-26: 9 GP, 3 G, 7 A, 10 PTS, 2 PIM, +4 — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26 Playoffs: 2 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS, 0 PIM, Even — Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)
2025-26: 1 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PT, 0 PIM, Even — New York Islanders
Eklund is the type of player who can make things happen with the puck. He plays with intensity, has strong offensive instincts, and can create opportunities for teammates. Daily Faceoff recently ranked him as the No. 1 prospect in the Islanders organization, projecting him as a potential top-six NHL winger.
Season Outlook
Hamilton’s inaugural roster has an excellent balance. Veteran players such as Ethan Bear, Matthew Highmore, Matt Luff, Mitchell Chaffee, Liam Foudy, and Matthew Kessel provide leadership and proven professional experience, while prospects like Cole Eiserman, Kashawn Aitcheson, Calle Odelius, Jesse Pulkkinen, Daniil Prokhorov, Quinn Finley, and Joshua Kotai represent the future of the New York Islanders organization.
The defence should be one of the team’s biggest strengths, combining experienced professionals with high-end prospects. Up front, Hamilton has enough scoring talent to compete with anyone in the AHL, while the goaltending competition should provide stability throughout the season.
With Jay McKee behind the bench and a roster filled with players looking to prove themselves, expectations are high for the Hamilton Hammers’ first season. If the young talent develops as expected and the veterans provide consistent leadership, Hamilton has every opportunity to become a playoff contender while serving as an outstanding development pipeline for the Islanders.
