On Feb. 7, the New York Islanders placed forward Austin Czarnik on waivers. Less than 24 hours later, he was claimed by the Seattle Kraken. Nearly a month later, on March 5, Czarnik was placed on waivers by the Kraken when two of their players were activated from injured reserve. In a full circle moment, the Islanders claimed Czarnik the next day to bring him back to the east coast. While it may seem odd, it was actually a very smart move by general manager Lou Lamoriello to get Czarnik back in the blue and orange. 

Playing for the Islanders

Czarnik was not an everyday player for the Islanders, but he was one of those guys who played with heart and gave it their all whenever he stepped on the ice. In 11 games, he put up five points (2-3—5) and was a +5. 

The best thing about Czarnik was his ability to play nearly anywhere in the lineup. If the team was ever down a man, head coach Barry Trotz could put Czarnik in their spot — regardless of where it was — and trust that he would perform to the best of his ability. 

When Seattle claimed Czarnik, Trotz expressed his liking for him in a press conference. 

“He’s a fantastic young man who I have a lot of appreciation for,” Trotz said. “He’s come and done an awesome job for us and anytime a player can get picked up by another team potentially and stay in the NHL, I’m all for it. Unfortunately, for us it’s a piece that we’ll miss.” 

Playing for the Kraken 

Czarnik’s time with the Seattle Kraken was short lived. He only played in six games but was able to register two assists. His first point as a Kraken came in his first game for Seattle on Feb. 11. 

Waiver Conditions 

The Islanders assigned Czarnik to the Bridgeport Islanders. Typically, a player claimed off waivers can’t be sent down to the AHL right away. However, this was a special case because the Isles were the team that Seattle claimed Czarnik from. Therefore, the Islanders were the only team able to claim Czarnik and send him down without needing to put him on waivers. 

However, just because Czarnik is in Bridgeport now does not mean he can’t come back to the Island. The Islanders can move him between the NHL and the AHL without waivers as long as Czarnik plays in under 10 NHL games or for 30 consecutive days (whichever occurs first). 

Returning to the Island

Acquiring Czarnik will only benefit the Islanders due to his ability to slot in nearly anywhere in the lineup. With Anders Lee (personal reasons) and Mathew Barzal (lower-body injury) out, having Czarnik around to possibly fill in is a great assurance for the team. He could also potentially become a full-time player when Lee and Barzal return by taking the spot of either Josh Bailey or Matt Martin. Regardless of where Czarnik ends up—whether it be in Bridgeport or on Long Island—it was a smart move by Lamoriello to bring him back to the Islanders. 

Maisy Healy

I am a huge Islanders fan and love spreading my passion for the team here at Drive4Five.  Along with writing, I also co-manage the Drive4Five TikTok and Facebook accounts.