NHL.com calls him "coveted," which is a great word for any 23-year-old unsigned hockey player.
The Islanders signed Lake Superior State University "standout" Kevin Czuczman to a two-year, entry-level deal and he will report to the Isles, not the Sound Tigers. Curious.
Czuczman, is a big body at 6’3, 205 lbs. He had a career year for the LSSU Lakers with 10 goals and led all Western Collegiate Hockey Association Defensemen. But there's a connection here.
Czuczman said his familiarity with the team – he trains with John Tavares, Ryan Strome and Casey Cizikas in the offseason – and Lake Superior State alum Doug Weight made it an easy decision.
And bingo. Another friend of JT, but at least he's not from UMaine. Just kidding.
Another quote from Corey Wright's article on NHL.com from Kevin:
“My comfort with New York was the key to me signing there,… Czuczman said. “The culture that is starting to develop and the opportunity to be a part of something special with a new wave of players coming up is something that’s too good to pass up on.
It's a breath of fresh air when they are so new and excited. Then he will get thrown to the lions and we'll see what happens.