Joensuu returned, Katic called up

 Jesse Joensuu has been returned on loan to Bridgeport to make room for defenseman Mark Katic's arrival today.

Katic was recalled on an emergency basis in wake of recent injuries to defensemen Radek Martinek (lower-body) and Milan Jurcina (groin).

The 21-year-old defenseman, who has three goals and 18 assists in 52 games for the Sound Tigers this season, drove down to Philadelphia from Bridgeport after last night's game to make it in time for the Isles morning skate at Wells Fargo Center.

Neat stat on Katic, courtesy of Isles radio man Chris King: If Katic makes his NHL debut tonight against the Flyers, he'll become the Islanders first player from the 2007 draft to do so.

Katic's fellow draftees from 2007? Jason Gregoire, Maxim Gratchev, Blake Kessel and Simon Lacroix. Katic was selected in the third round, 62nd overall in 07.