Foudy, Hogberg and Karlström add depth and experience to Islanders

Liam Foudy

The majority of Foudy’s career was spent in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, where the forward was drafted in the 18th round.^t total in 2018. Foudy has played in 90 games for the Blue Jackets, including a career-high 62 games in 2022-23.

He was traded from Columbus to Nashville last season, splitting time between the Predators and their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. In 102 NHL games, Foudy has scored 22 points (7G, 15A) and 51 points (20G, 31A) in 69 AHL games.

Over the summer, as he considered his options, he decided the Islanders would be a good choice.

“You always want to be around a winning culture,” Foudy said. “Obviously a great head coach and then (general manager) Lou Lamoriello running everything, it’s a privilege to get a chance to get into that type of organization.”

Foudy saw plenty of the Islanders’ opponents during his time as a division rival in Columbus, so he can speak from personal experience.

“It’s tough to play with a team, especially coming to this building,” Foudy said. “The fan base is pretty crazy, it’s been so loud every time we’ve come here, no matter the score.”

Foudy knew Noah Dobson a bit through Hockey Canada meetings — the two exchanged a few text messages over the summer — but that’s about as far as his organizational connections go. The Scarborough, Ont., native has ties to Long Island, as one of his close friends plays for the LIU Sharks, who also train and play at the Northwell Health Ice Center, the Isles’ practice facility.

Foudy’s calling card has long been his speed, which was on display in Friday’s practice match when the winger generated several breakaways. On Saturday, he played in a line with Bo Horvat and Maxim Tsyplakov and scored the equalizer — on a pass from Tsyplakov — with 45 seconds left in the third period.

“I’m a really fast player. That’s my identity, my whole career, basically,” Foudy said. “I try to fly around, cause havoc and create opportunities.”