Ishkatov might be the type of player who produces more in the NHL than AHL. Bridgeport is an awful AHL team devoid of much skill, even at the AHL level. Playing with actual good NHL players (which NYI's top 6 are) gives him a chance to set up plays and generate things for real players.
I wonder if we missed an opportunity with him this year. Fashing might be able to win some more board battles than Ish, but Ish might be able to save a similar amount of possession by making better passes and having the puck be a bit more "sticky" on him in transition. In addition, Ish could probably help on our powerplay which is a brutal weakness of the team. Seems like his skill set actually could help vs. the Canes but it's too late now given that he's had no time with the team and you'd be throwing him into the fire unprepared Griffin Reinart vs Washington style.
I'm not deluded into thinking he's more than a borderline prospect, but the Isles have some mostly dead weight replacement value type players among their bottom 6 forwards, and it seems like Ish offers a bit more than some of the guys in that mix.
Hopefully they can keep him in the organization at least one more year and let him work Roy and the NHL coaches for a full camp.