Parker Wotherspoon

July 2023 – Appearing in just 27 games for Bridgeport last season, the 25 year old Wotherspoon has signed a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins worth $775k. James Iacovone

March 2022 – Assuming there’s still room in today’s game for a hardrock blueliner, there might still be a place in pro hockey for Wotherspoon, although it’s increasingly looking like it might not be in the NHL. In his fifth AHL campaign, the 6-2, 190-pounder has 16 points in 47 games as well as a whopping 101 PIMs. The 24-year-old will soon be an RFA and will learn if the Islanders still want him in their system. Mark Allan

October 2021 – Wotherspoon was among 10 players waived by the Islanders in their first round of training camp transactions. He was assigned to the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL Mark Allan

March 2021 – The 23-year-old has but one assist in eight AHL outings, but has accumulated 15 PIMs as he continues his aggressive play for the Sound Tigers. He’s in the first half of a two-year, two-way deal under which he will likely remain in Bridgeport. Mark Allan

January 2021 – Wotherspoon was placed on waivers two days before the NHL season opener. Mark Allan

October 2020 – Wotherspoon signed a typical late-2020 contract, a two-year, two-way deal with an AAV of $725,000 in the unlikely event he plays in the NHL and a fraction of that for minor-league outings. His point totals have improved from 17 to 23 to 27 with Bridgeport and his penalty totals have jumped from 14 to 51 to 82, indicating an increased willingness to throw around his 6-2, 190-pound frame. He is, however, buried in a system that’s deep with blueliners. Mark Allan

October 2020 – The 23-year-old with a well-rounded, if unremarkable, skillset received a qualifying offer from the Islanders that keeps him in the organization for the short term. The 6-2, 190-pounder had roughly identical offensive numbers in his three AHL campaigns, but has increasingly shown a willingness to play physically, jumping from 24 to 51 to 82 PIMs. Mark Allan

June 2020 – The three-season AHLer finished the shortened schedule with four goals and 23 assists in 62 games, virtually mirroring his 2018-19 production. That could be interpreted as commendable consistency or offensive stagnation. How that affects the RFA’s next contract remains to be seen. Mark Allan

March 2020 – During three AHL campaigns to date, Wotherspoon’s stats have reflected his skillset – reliable, well-rounded and unremarkable. An intelligent and committed two-way player, the former WHL blueliner offers physicality, offense, intelligence, decent size (6-2, 190) and competitiveness, just not a huge amount of any. In three “full” seasons with Bridgeport (counting the one still in progress), he’s averaged slightly more than 57 games and 22 points. For the current league-worst lineup, his PIMs are up to 80 so far and he’s at an unaccustomed minus-11. Solid two-way blueliners keep finding their way to the NHL and Wotherspoon might eventually make it on a second or third pairing. Mark Allan

March 2018 – Wotherspoon plays limited minutes as an AHL rookie, but he touches all three manpower situations. The 2015 fourth-round pick has shown already to be a reliable, competent player – although one without much upside. He is not currently on the fantasy radar for any reason and doesn’t project to be. Michael Farkas

January 16, 2017 – Parker Wotherspoon is enjoying another nice season in the WHL for the Tri-City Americans. As a 19-year-old, he has provided great leadership, as well as point production. Parker is a gifted playmaker in the sense that he makes the ‘simple’ play all the time, and puts pucks in smart areas. He has an underrated shot, and can get pucks to the net. His skating ability is above average, and has the ability to pull away from the forecheck, or skate the puck out of trouble using his speed. Projects to me as a solid depth defenseman who will be low maintenance at the NHL level as someone who can move pucks, and make intelligent plays. He has good defensive ability as well which leads me to believe that down the line he could be an NHL player. This may take some time, as Parker will need some time in the AHL after Junior to learn the pro game and adjust to the speed. I could see him playing a few years in the Minors before making the big club. Kevin Pedersen

May 2016 – Parker Wotherspoon was a bright spot for Tri-City during the 2015-16 campaign.  He improved from nine goals and 42 points in his draft year to 11 goals and 45 assists in 2015-16.  The highlight of his year, however, came on March 24, 2016 when he signed an ATO with Bridgeport.  He made his professional debut on April 3, 2016.  At 18 years, seven months and 10 days, Wotherspoon became the youngest player to ever suit up for the Sound Tigers.  He dressed in six regular-season games and recorded his first career professional point on April 17.  He also got into two playoff games, adding another assist against the Toronto Marlies.  However, the Sound Tigers were swept, ending Wotherspoon’s season.  The fact that he received an AHL call-up at 18 years old shows how highly regarded he is within the Islanders’ organization.  It would not be surprising to see him sign an entry-level contract in the near future.  He is a left-handed puck-moving defenseman who should light up the WHL next season.  Expect him to be in the conversation to make Team Canada at the 2017 World Juniors. – Brent Craswell

June 2015 – The New York Islanders selected defenseman Parker Wotherspoon with the 112th pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

June 2015 – Wotherspoon’s skating is what makes him such an elite prospect. His skating and acceleration are up with some of the top draft-eligible prospects, especially those on defense. Defensively Wortherspoon is smart and keeps it simple where he’ll use his frame to protect the puck and move it quickly to avoid hits. Offensively, Parker is an extremely good passer and his shot comes off fairly quick and surprisingly hard for a man of his size. Overall, Wotherspoon has great tools but more importantly is able to use his skating to make himself better in all situations and make up for any mistakes he or his partner makes. Benjamin Gallant