The New York Islanders bolstered the defense corps in their organization’s pipeline by re-signing defensemen Marshall Warren and Ethan Bear to new one-year, two-way contracts. 

Warren, a native of Laurel Hollow, New York, posted pro career highs with the Bridgeport Islanders, with six goals, 26 assists, and 32 points in 56 games. He also played eight games with the main club, recording three assists.

New York Islanders defenseman Marshall Warren celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Warren, renowned for his superb puck-handling and top-tier speed, was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and played college hockey at Boston College and the University of Michigan. He joined the Islanders in 2023 following his collegiate career and made his NHL debut on Oct. 26, 2025.

Bear returns to the Islanders organization after playing 40 games with Bridgeport last season, where he tallied 27 points. The Regina, Saskatchewan, native was drafted in the fifth round by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and made his debut with the big club in the 2018-19 season. In his first full-time season with the Oilers in 2019-20, Bear played 71 games, scoring five goals and 16 assists for 21 points.

After three seasons split between Edmonton and the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Bakersfield Condors, Bear was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2021-22 season, where he played 58 games. Bear was traded to the Vancouver Canucks and played 61 games in the 2022-23 season.

After winning the IIHF World Championship gold medal in 2023, Bear joined the Washington Capitals for the 2023-24 season, appearing in 24 games. The following season, he played for the Capitals’ affiliate, the Hershey Bears, and made a notable contribution. 

In the 2024-25 season, Bear participated in the AHL All-Star Game and was named to the AHL Second All-Star Team. He also achieved career highs of 10 goals, 36 assists, and 46 points in 62 games.

General manager Mathieu Darche added depth to the pipeline with two calibre players who will be counted on as key contributors to the Hamilton Hammers squad, and provided new head coach Jay McKee with veteran presence to anchor the defense and a young, promising squad.