Islanders Secure Cizikas

On June 2nd, the New York Islanders announced a 5 year, $16.75M ($3.35M per) deal with Casey Cizikas.  The RFA center was set to enter the off season as a free agent but chose to remain with the team that drafted him.  Cizikas commented on Twitter that he was “Blessed” to remain with the Islanders for the next 5 years.  After the deal, the Isles have $13.2M available in cap space (pending a $71.4M cap) with some important decisions to make on Nielsen (in talks), Martin and Okposo (no talks) set for free agency along with an interesting crop of RFA’s named Strome, Prince, Quine, Berube.  Especially with the Draft coming in a few weeks.

Cizikas, 25, was 8 and 21 for a career high 29 points with 1 SH and 4 GWG’s to his credit in 80 GP and added 3 playoff assists for New York.  But the contributions of Cizikas go beyond the stat sheet.  While not the biggest or the fastest of the team’s forward core, Cizikas has one of the strongest work ethics on the team and refuses to surrender.  Along with line mates Matt Martin & Cal Clutterbuck, the Isles 4th line were able to change to flow of games and agitate the opposition’s top players without remorse.  The Islanders must decide if that 4th line will remain intact with the future of Matt Martin uncertain at this point with the July 1st free agency period looming.

His ability on special teams (especially on the PK) and talents to disrupt the flow of an opponent’s game in either zone probably helped Garth Snow pull the trigger on a new deal to keep “Zeeker” in Brooklyn.  “Casey has developed into a highly dependable two-way center and we’re pleased to sign him through 2021,” General Manager Garth Snow said. “His energy and passion both on the ice and in the community, make him an invaluable piece of our lineup.”  I’ve always liked the snarl and punch Cizikas brings to a game.  I said as much to Garth Snow at a booster club gathering in 2013 when I mentioned that Cizikas would turn into one of the most important parts of the rebuild moving forward.  That was also the interview when I broke the news of the Isles then, officially unrevealed Winter Classic jerseys. (shameless self promotion)

The Isles 4th round, 92nd overall pick in 2009 has bought into the future plan by New York and is ready to do what he can to contribute to the cause.  “I’m excited to continue to be a part of this group as we build towards the ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup.”

Isles Notes:

Bracken Kearns and Ben Holmstrom have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with the Islanders.



Sound Tigers Notes:

The Sound Tigers have sign defenseman Ryan Obuchowski (Yale University) and forward Travis St. Denis (Quinnipiac University) to one-year, AHL contracts.