Ryan Pulock Entering 2026-27 Season with a Fresh Perspective

Ryan Pulock is a veteran of 636 NHL games but has spent the past 11 months as a rookie in a different field. 

Ryan and his wife, Danielle, welcomed their first child on September 1, 2025. This summer was Pulock’s first as a father, and he has enjoyed making the most of his time off with his son, Ryder. 

“It’s been a lot of fun learning and having the summer with him,” Pulock said. “Family is very important to me, and we’re making the most of this time.” 

Pulock’s summer has been filled with family time. He spends the offseason on Long Island, a place he’s grown to love. This summer also tasked him with recovering from shoulder surgery, a rehab process that has put him in a good place heading into camp. 

“I’m feeling really good and strong right now,” Pulock said of his shoulder. “It’s something you never really want to go through, but I’m glad things are on track.” 

Pulock is looking to continue the play that has made him a mainstay on the Islanders’ blue line. He recorded 27 points (3 G, 24 A) over 76 games last season while leading the team with 148 blocked shots. He also leads the Islanders with 1,201 blocked shots since the NHL began tracking the stat in 2005-06. 

When asked about his personal goals for the 2026-27 season, the 31-year-old deflected, instead focusing on his commitment to fulfilling whatever role the team needs him to play. 

“It’s always about doing everything possible for the team in whatever that role may look like,” Pulock said.

Pulock believes team camaraderie will be high heading into camp. He’s enjoyed skating and spending time with the guys who spend their summers locally and believes that connection will help them heading into the new year. 

“I think it’s a big benefit of what we have here,” Pulock said. “There’s a good amount of guys who stick around here and make Long Island their homes. I don’t think the way we’re looked after by staff and hang out is done everywhere.” 

The local guys have been sticking around Northwell Health Ice Center not just to prepare for the upcoming season, but also to have a hand in the team’s future look. 

Pulock was a member of the group that reviewed the Islanders’ third-jersey submissions. As it came down to the wire, the Pulock family made sure to make their voices heard on social media about which jersey they wanted to see, and Ryan is happy with the winning concept. 

“I was pretty split. I liked both,” Pulock said. “I think as they decorate it and pick out the gloves, helmets and pants, it’s going to be a sharp look, and the design has a lot of history on Long Island with the lighthouse.”

As camp approaches, Pulock is excited about the players and coaches in the locker room. He shared the blue line with Matthew Schaefer for most of last season, creating a highly regarded defensive duo that the team relied on in big moments. 

With Schaefer heading into his second season, Pulock believes he can be a difference-maker for an Islanders team hoping to return to the postseason. 

“He’s a special kid and is just so outgoing,” Pulock said. “You see how special he is on the ice, but he might be even more special off it.” 

Coming off a year of change, Pulock is excited to return to camp, embracing his new normal while providing the only franchise he’s ever known with consistent play. 

“You always want to score more, put up more points or defend better, but it’s always about the team,” Pulock said. “At the end of the day, it’s about doing the little things for the team — that’s what really matters.”