Islanders Extend Jordan Eberle

Our New York Islanders came to terms with Forward, Jordan Eberle on a five-year contract at $27.5M ($5.5M AAV.) According to cap friendly, Eberle's contract includes a full no-trade clause in the first two years with a modified NTC (no trade to 16 teams) for years 3-5. Eberle was acquired from the Oilers for F, Ryan Strome in 2017. His prior contract with Edmonton had a $6M cap hit, so what made him take less (6yr/$36M) to play for the Isles? Per Brian Compton, Eberle wanted to stay with New York, and he mentioned the "camaraderie" of the Islanders and said "He (Eberle) owes a lot to Barry Trotz for developing more of a two-way game. Is also looking forward to having stability in a coach after the numerous changes during his time in Edmonton." It's also an indication that the top Isles players are signing contracts that leave meat on the bone for their GM to gain more for the organization.

Jordan Eberle, 29, has scored 96 points (44 & 52) in 159 games. He netted four goals, including the GWG in Game 2 of the Isles 1st round win against the Penguins. Eberle also had 5 assists and 9 pts in eight games this postseason along with 4 pts on the PP. Eberle said it was going to be nice coming back to a team with some stability and familiarity, and he felt winning was a priority per Andrew Gross. Eberle's contract is good news for the Isles who want to parlay their remaining cap space ($22+M) into quality-fit, free agent signings, trades, and qualifying offers to improve the squad. And don't forget about Valtteri Filppula. Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Dal Colle are RFAs and can be contacted on 6/27.

Of the Isles main unsigned assets, Team Captain Anders Lee and Goaltender Robin Lehner remain unsigned with the July 1st deadline looming, just over two weeks away. The buzz around the beat is that at least one will sign and talks between the team and their top UFA's are ongoing. Andy Graziano of WFAN said, "People I've spoken with believe Lee/Lehner will be signed by #Isles prior to draft. Panarin major FA target, but consensus sticking with Rangers as destination. Leddy/Hickey highly involved in trade discussions, as Pagnotta noted. Feeling is at least one is surely going." Robin Lehner will be attending the NHL Awards next Wednesday (Masterton-Perseverance and Vezina-Top Goaltender) along with Head Coach, Barry Trotz (Adams-Top Coach) to represent the Islanders and be recognized for their outstanding performances this past season.

With the NHL Entry Draft on 6/21 and 6/22, General Manager, Lou Lamoriello will have an opportunity to deal picks, prospects and players to improve the team prior to the open of free agency. After July 1st, the summer agenda will be even more apparent. New York will need to get better by free agent signings or trades. No one knows that more than Isles management. Both Lamoriello and Trotz had a productive year with the personnel they went into the season with and understood where they fell short over the season and in the NHL postseason. Free agents can be contacted on 6/24.

Jordan Eberle seemed like a rental to some, but it's good to have a player of his ability back with the Isles. One who wants to play for them alone. Especially entering a summer with limited prime free agent scoring punch available.

Two big ones down, two to go?

Isles Notes:

Per Brian Compton, "Eberle on Lee: "Anders is on his own path. No one can really blame him for taking his time or going to free agency. He's earned the right to that. I know in his mind he loves Long Island."

Isles sign Tanner Fritz at $700,000 in 2019-20 and 2020-21 is a two-way deal, $700,000 NHL and $250,000 AHL with $275,000 guaranteed. – Andrew Gross.

Isles QMJHL prospect, Arnaud Durandeau signs a 3-year ELC. Durandeau had a career-high 38 goals and 35 assists in 68 games for Halifax last season and seems to be a steal for New York, selected in the 6th round in 2017.

Casey Cizikas awarded Bob Nystrom Award for the 2018-19 season.

Per Andrew Gross, "Per Isles: Cal Clutterbuck (back) and Andrew Ladd (knee) both had surgery. Doctors expect Clutterbuck to be able to play this upcoming season. He should be ready to start training camp. Ladd's timeline a little less clear at this point.

Tickets are on sale for fans to come and watch the Isles top prospects compete in a rookie scrimmage and skills competition on June 27th at @NHIceCenter.