Tough decisions for two talented players.
Following their 6-2 preseason-ending loss in Washington on Sunday night, the Islanders made a number of cuts, settling closer to a final roster for Tuesday's deadline.
Kirill Petrov, who had impressed coaches and observers during the exhibition season with strong, physical play, will be heading to Bridgeport of the AHL along with Kevin Czuczman, Scott Mayfield and Adam Pelech, who were called up this morning for the game against the Capitals.
Also leaving the big club will be 2015 pick Mathew Barzal, who was the last first rounder standing after the previous rounds of the cuts and looked to be a candidate for at least the nine game trial allowed under the CHL-NHL agreement.