Islanders Re-Sign Thomas Greiss & JT Islanders All-Star

Thomas Greiss has agreed to terms and signed a 3-year, $10M contract (Staple) to remain with the New York Islanders. I’ve always been a fan of Greiss. I first noticed how he kept an underwhelming Team Germany in the Winter Olympic and World Championship tournaments. He finally joined the Isles organization when he signed as a free agent in 2015.

The 31-year-old net minder has worked hard and has become a cornerstone of the improving Isles defense, is well liked by his team mates and wants to be a part of the crease for the next few seasons. He endeared himself to fans and got noticed by management last season when he backstopped the Islanders to a playoff series win for the first time since 1993, slowly winning the starters jobs away from Jaroslav Halak who is now playing in Bridgeport (6-1-2 in AHL this season) with the Sound Tigers.

Despite how much the NHL media wants to create a controversy of the free agency of star-player, John Tavares and his New York Islanders, Tavares once again tried to take the focus away from the off-season and focus on the now. “I’m excited about where the Islanders are headed and hopefully we can work something out." Tavares finished the Los Angeles NHL All-Star tourney with 2 goals and 3 assists for the winning Metro Division, playing well and showcasing why he is a super star in a league of super stars. JT was beat out again for MVP honors, this time by Flyers’, Wayne Simmonds, a one-time player for the Kings. Well, I guess there is always next year.

"I got a text from Mr. Gretzky saying this guy is a machine" - Doug Weight on @91Tavares at the All-Star Game. #Isles

Isles Notes:

Denis Potvin, Billy Smith, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy and Pat LaFontaine were honored and selected to the NHL 100 greatest Players List. I think they missed a few legendary Islanders myself, but what can I say.

Per Arthur Staple, “So what now? Just speculating -- if #Isles make a deal at Citi Field or Belmont, that still requires a place to play next 3-5 years. Here's one scenario that's a whopper: #Isles make an arena deal, hire MSG events to run the building and play at MSG while arena is built. Just from talking to people the last few years, lots on the table if and when #Isles and Barclays part ways. So, that's not exactly reassuring, but it's pretty clear from NHL and #Isles side that moving out of the NY area is an absolute last resort.”


Mangano says Isles return possible.


Bloomberg reporting Barclays want Isles out.

Per Chris Botta, “A story we all hope ends happily soon. Bettman makes clear Ledecky/Malkin are reviewing all arena options. As they should. Good luck.”

Sound Tigers Notes:

BST Defensemen, @devontoews6 with the second fastest time ever recorded (13.5 seconds) in #AHLAllStar Classic fastest skater competition with a time of 13.478.