Overview
- The team announced Wednesday a two-year contract that starts next season, which keeps Finley under team control as a restricted free agent in 2028 and came with undisclosed terms.
- Next steps remain unsettled, as reports say it is unclear if he will join AHL Bridgeport on a tryout for the rest of this season.
- Finley led Wisconsin in goals with a 16-17—33 line in 37 games this year and helped the Badgers reach the Frozen Four title game.
- Drafted 78th overall in 2022 from the USHL’s Madison Capitols, he is viewed as a quick-release finisher whose defensive game has improved, with The Athletic ranking him among the Islanders’ top prospects.
- His signing follows a wave of Badgers turning pro, with teammate Blake Montgomery already under contract and captain Ben Dexheimer reported to be heading to the Wild, while the Islanders’ AHL affiliate is set to relocate to Hamilton next season.