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Stanley Cup champion Ben Hutton has shot to revive NHL career with Islanders
Defenceman Ben Hutton has joined the New York Islanders on a 10-day professional tryout, giving the 33-year-old a chance to revive his NHL career. The Islanders need cover after Ryan Pulock was injured, and Hutton could add experience and stability to a defence that has struggled.
Hutton, who won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023, was unsigned over the summer after a season in which he played seven games in the playoffs. Islanders coach Pete DeBoer, who previously coached him in Vegas, praised his versatility and experience. Hutton can practise and travel on the tryout but cannot play unless he signs a contract.
In short
- Ben Hutton has a 10-day tryout with the Islanders.
- The team needs defensive cover after Ryan Pulock’s injury.
- Hutton must earn a contract before he can play.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The tryout gives the Islanders a low-commitment way to address an immediate defensive shortage while assessing an experienced player who has won a Stanley Cup and is familiar to the coach. Hutton’s versatility could provide useful cover and stability if he shows he can still contribute at NHL level.
The case against
A short tryout may offer little assurance that Hutton can improve a defence that has struggled, particularly after he was unsigned over the summer and played only seven playoff games last season. The Islanders may be better served by pursuing a younger or more proven option, while the tryout itself does not let Hutton play unless the club first signs him.