Isles Sign Graham & Pokka to ELC's

Today, the New York Islanders signed defenseman, Jesse Graham to a 3 year ELC.  The Isles selected Graham in the sixth round (155^th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Graham is reported to be a strong skating impact player that can contribute offensively.  He had 54 points in 66 OHL games last season, split between Niagara and Saginaw as an alternate captain.  After Saginaw’s playoff elimination, Graham joined the BST and scored 1 & 3 for 4 points in seven games last season. Graham has OHL all-rookie honors and scored an impressive 152 points in 265 games,  he has won a gold medal with Team Canada/Ontario in the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

From Twitter:

Jesse Graham @JGraham22             

Honoured to sign my first NHL contract with the @NYIslanders. Thanks to everyone for all the support!

 

 

On May 28^th, The New York Islanders continued to improve one of their biggest areas of weakness.  They signed their 2012 second round pick (34^th overall) defenseman, Ville Pokka to 3 year ELC.  Pokka scored 12 & 30 for 42 points in games with Karpat of the SM-ligga and tallied 11 points in 16 playoff games with Karpat on their way to the 2014 Liiga Championship.  Pokka is a six time selection for Team Finland and won Gold in the 2014 WJC’s.  He has a calm demeanor with a strong defensive mindset, but is able to join the rush and contribute offensively.  Per Arthur Staple, Possibility exists that Isles will have him continue playing in Finland next season.”

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

Jaroslav Halak will wear No. 41 with the Islanders.

Per Anthony Stabile, "New Isles goalie Jaroslav Halak chose #41. Only 3 players have ever worn that # for the Isles David Ullstrom 12, Derek Bekar in 04 and Raymond Giroux back in 2000-2002."

Kevin Czuczman & Anders Lee are graduating from college this off season.


@IgorEronko: Sportbox.ru reports NYI G Anders Nilsson signed deal with AkBars of KHL.