Following the New York Islanders means keeping an eye on more than just the NHL roster.

The organization’s development system includes the Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League and the Trenton Ironhawks of the ECHL. And in 2026-27, both affiliates are brand new.

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The Islanders relocated their AHL franchise from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Hamilton, Ontario, after 25 years, while expansion Trenton begins its inaugural ECHL season as the organization's new affiliate.

Here’s what Islanders fans need to know about both teams, the prospects to watch and the storylines heading into the season.

Who are the Islanders' affiliates?

The New York Islanders' minor-league system includes the Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Trenton Ironhawks of the ECHL.

Hamilton begins its inaugural season after the Islanders relocated their AHL franchise from Bridgeport. The Hammers will play at TD Coliseum and compete in the AHL's North Division.

Trenton is an expansion ECHL franchise playing at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. The Ironhawks are affiliated with both the Islanders and Hamilton.

Why should Islanders fans care about Hamilton?

Hamilton represents a fresh start for the Islanders' primary development affiliate.

The Hammers will play at the renovated 18,000-seat TD Coliseum under new head coach Jay McKee. McKee spent the previous three seasons coaching the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs, leading them to an OHL-best 48-10-8-2 record last season.

The Islanders also hired Evan Gold as assistant general manager and general manager of the Hammers, putting new leadership around the organization’s top minor-league team.

Hamilton is where Islanders fans can follow many of the players closest to earning a call-up to New York.

Who should Islanders fans watch in Hamilton?

• Victor Eklund, F: The No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft recorded 10 points in nine AHL games last season before making his NHL debut. He'll compete for an NHL roster spot this fall.

• Isaiah George, D: George already has 37 games of NHL experience and recorded 18 points in 47 AHL games last season. He's another player who could push for a spot in New York.

• Cameron Berg, F: Berg is participating in Islanders rookie camp after spending time in the ECHL last season and could continue climbing the organization's development ladder.

• Jesse Nurmi, F: Nurmi also saw ECHL action last season and is among the young forwards to watch as New York determines its assignments between Hamilton and Trenton.

• Calle Odelius, D: The Islanders' 2022 second-round pick spent time in the ECHL last season and enters 2026-27 as another developing defenseman in the system.

Exactly who starts in Hamilton will depend on training camp, particularly with Eklund and George competing for NHL opportunities.

What's happening with the Hamilton Hammers right now?

Hamilton's inaugural season comes after Bridgeport finished its 25-year run on a high note.

The Islanders reached the Calder Cup Playoffs last season for the first time since 2022 after a late surge that included eight wins in 10 games and 10 consecutive home victories.

Hershey swept Bridgeport in the best-of-three first round, with a 5-2 loss on April 23 becoming the franchise's final game in Connecticut.

Now the operation moves to Hamilton with a new identity, arena and head coach, but with an opportunity to build on last season's playoff appearance.

What's happening with the Trenton Ironhawks?

Trenton isn't just a new Islanders affiliate. It's an entirely new ECHL franchise.

The Ironhawks begin their inaugural season under head coach and director of hockey operations Chuck Weber, with home games at CURE Insurance Arena.

• Building the roster: Trenton is assembling the first roster in franchise history, with its initial signings including five New Jersey-born players.
• The development connection: Cameron Berg, Jesse Nurmi, Gleb Veremyev, Calle Odelius and Jesse Pulkkinen were among Islanders prospects who spent time in the ECHL last season.

That makes Trenton an important part of the pipeline for players who need professional minutes before taking on larger AHL roles.

What's coming up?

Both Islanders affiliates will make history this season.

Hamilton's opener: The Hammers play their first regular-season game on the road against the Belleville Senators on Friday, Oct. 2. Hamilton's first home game at TD Coliseum comes against the Toronto Marlies on Friday, Oct. 9.

Trenton's opener: The Ironhawks begin their inaugural season at the Trois-Rivières Lions on Friday, Oct. 16. Trenton hosts the Adirondack Thunder for its home opener on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The prospects: Victor Eklund and Isaiah George are two of the biggest names to monitor during Islanders training camp, with both pushing for opportunities in New York.

For Islanders fans, 2026-27 brings an affiliate system unlike any they've followed recently. After 25 years in Bridgeport, the AHL operation is moving to Hamilton while a brand-new ECHL franchise begins play in Trenton.

The Islanders' affiliate map has been completely redrawn.

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