The New York Islanders continue to add to the Hamilton Hammers roster. On Friday, June 5th, the team announced they were re-signing Marshall Warren to a one-year, two-way contract. Warren is coming off the best season of his career and should be a solid piece in the Islanders organization. He's also one of the best stories the Isles have, as he grew up in Laurel Hollow, New York, and was a die-hard Islanders fan. But what can we expect from Warren next season, and can he carve out a role in the future for himself?
Can Marshall Warren make any impact with the Islanders?
Warren entered professional hockey in 2019, when he was drafted by the Wild with the 166th overall pick. He spent the next five years playing in the college ranks, spending four years with Boston College and one with Michigan. While he was impressive, racking up 75 points in 161 games, he did not sign his entry-level deal with the Wild and instead signed a two-year deal with the Islanders. He was sent to Bridgeport and recorded four goals and 13 assists for 17 points during his first 55 games.
But the 2025-26 season was his breakout season. He played great in Bridgeport, tallying six goals and 26 assists for 32 points in 56 games. He led all Bridgeport defensemen in all three categories and was second on the team in assists. He also earned AHL Player of the Week honors in October. The highlight of the season came on October 25th, when he made his AHL debut. In his debut against the Flyers, he logged two assists in the Isles 4-3 loss. He appeared in seven more NHL games, registering just one assist over that stretch.
He should have a similar role during the 2026-27 season. He is going to be one of the leaders of the Hammers defensive core. He should be on one of the top two pairings and focus on becoming more responsible defensively. He will also continue to be one of the Hammers' primary setup men. He will also be the first guy the Islanders call up if one of their six defensemen goes down with injuries. All of this combined will be great for his development.
Now, will Warren ever become a staple of the Islanders' defensive core? No. Although Warren's play has been impressive, it's unlikely he ever becomes an everyday NHL defenseman. But he could be a very reliable seventh defenseman for them. Someone who only plays 30-40 games a season, but is a positive contributor and shows flashes of being able to take the next step. This season will be the true test if he can become that type of player.
Although re-signing Warren may seem like nothing more than a depth move, it could become a steal for the Islanders. He could be a player who serves a valuable role down the stretch.
