After nine games with the Islanders, the team is sending top pick Nino Niederreiter back to the minor leagues.
It was a decision the Islanders made earlier this week, therefore keeping intact the first year of his entry-level contract.
If he played in NHL game No. 10 then the clock would have starting ticking on his three-year rookie deal.
"I had a great experience up here, and I was really happy to be here," Niederreiter said. "I think it's better to go back to juniors and get more experience and be a leader back there. Again, I think it's the right decision.
"At the end, I want to be a better player in the future," he said. "And I think it's better to get more ice time in juniors and be a better player there."
Islanders Send Top Pick Back To Minors