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July 1 was certainly an eventful day in Islanders country. It started off with the change in ownership as Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin assumed majority ownership from Charles Wang.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to build upon the Islanders’ rich history, which includes four consecutive Stanley Cup Championships. We also look forward to working with a superb team on behalf of the incredibly passionate Islanders fans.
“Garth Snow and Jack Capuano, who led the Isles to an exciting playoff run in 2016, have our full confidence. We commit ourselves to doing what it takes to bring our fans and the team a fifth Stanley Cup, and eagerly await the home opener at Barclays Center on October 16th.”
The Isles wasted little time once the clock struck noon as they signed forward Andrew Ladd to a 7-year, $38.5M deal. The cap hit is $5.5M. The 30-year-old has six 20-goal seasons in 11 seasons.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play with a team that has such great potential. The Islanders have high-end, young talent and state-of-the art facilities on Long Island and in Brooklyn, which made this the best choice for me. After visiting the area and meeting with coaches and management, it became clear to me and my family that this franchise was the perfect fit for the next seven years.”
Ladd will replace Kyle Okposo, who signed a 7-year, $42M deal with the Buffalo Sabres. The Islanders had no intention of re-signing Okposo.
The second of the Isles big three UFAs, Frans Nielsen went to Hockeytown, signing a 6-year, $30M deal with the Red Wings. The Isles offered more money and term, but it seems like Nielsen wanted a change of scenery. I'm glad Nielsen turned them down.
Nielsen, selected in the 2002 draft, was the last Mike Milbury selection still with the team.
Soon after Ladd was signed Garth Snow went for a potential Matt Martin replacement with the signing of Jason Chimera to a 2-year, $4.5M deal. The 37-year-old had 20 goals and 20 assists last year with the Washington Capitals. Two years is perfect for Chimera. The six foot three left winger provides experience and toughness. Both Ladd and Chimera have penalty kill experience. Okposo and Martin did not play shorthanded.
Speaking of Martin, the Isles were in on him until the end. He ended up going north of the border to Toronto for ten million over four years.
The signing of Ladd and Chimera changes the attitude of this team. It's bigger and meaner, and more experienced.
Snow on a conference call Friday said that he could team bringing in another forward either in free agency or via a trade. There isn't much left in terms of free agents. Snow can wait until the eve of the regular season to acquire a forward from a team needing to get under the cap, like they did with Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy.
Snow also said that The center depth chart is Tavares/Brock Nelson/Ryan Strome and Casey Cizikas. The Isles will give 2015 first-round pick Mathew Barzal every chance to make this team. If he does, pencil him in for either second or third line center.
The Islanders did lose another player today as defenseman Brian Strait signed a 1-year, $600K deal with the Winnipeg Jets. I'm tearing up as I'm writing this.
Snow crossed one player off of his RFA list as they re-signed forward Shane Prince to a 2-year deal worth $850K per.
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