Pulock Exits Early After Board Battle, Raises Concerns Over Shoulder Health

New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock left the game against the Minnesota Wild after just 51 seconds due to an upper-body injury sustained during a board battle. The injury raises concerns given his recent offseason shoulder surgery, though the team has not confirmed the nature of the issue. Pulock, who had been struggling offensively and defensively, joins several other injured players on the Islanders roster.

Ryan Pulock, a New York Islanders defenseman, exited his team’s game against the Minnesota Wild on October 29, 2026, after just 51 seconds of play due to an upper-body injury sustained during a board battle with Wild forward Yakov Trenin. The incident occurred in the first period, prompting Pulock to skate gingerly off the ice and into the locker room, where he did not return. The Islanders confirmed his absence at the start of the second period, though they have not disclosed the specific nature or severity of the injury. This early exit is particularly concerning given that Pulock underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason, raising immediate questions about a potential re-injury to the same area—though the team has not confirmed this possibility. At the time of the incident, Pulock had recorded only one assist in 13 games and was struggling defensively, posting a negative 5v5 expected goals against per 60 relative to his teammates, according to Natural Stat Trick. His absence adds to a growing list of injuries on the Islanders’ roster, which already includes Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli, Calum Ritchie, and Alexander Romanov on injured reserve. With Pulock sidelined, defensive pairings have been restructured, with Adam Pelech sharing time with Matthew Schaefer, Logan Stanley, and Tony DeAngelo; Matthew Kessel remains the only additional defenseman available. No official update on recovery timelines or return expectations has been issued, and further information is exp