KoC Isles 2019 Free Agency, Part 1

Isles fans entered the July 1st deadline feeling good. NHL insiders had Artemi Panarin slotted to sign with the team on the Island. An hour or so before the open, rumors that the rival Rangers were now in the mix had surfaced. Panarin ended up signing with the Rangers for a million less ($11.6M vs. $12.5M) then the Islanders had offered him for a 7-year deal. Rangers president John Davidson on signing Artemi Panarin: "We know he wants to be here in New York, specifically with the Rangers. 'It's a perfect fit." Fan those flames.

The good news? The New York Islanders announced that their Captain, Anders Lee, agreed to terms on a seven-year, $49M ($7M AAV) contract. Lee said he let his agent speak with other teams, but to focus on a deal with the Islanders.

Lee scored 51 points (28 and 23) in 82 games last season, finishing with a career-best +20. He shured up his two-way game this season and became a considerable playmaker for New York. Whether it was in front of the net or joining the rush, Lee led by example, and his team responded. Last season, he had 40 goals and 62 points, both career milestones. Per Isles release," Lee is one of only 15 players in the NHL that has accumulated over 100 goals (102) and one of three US-born players amongst the group. Thirty-three of those goals have come on the power-play, a mark that places him 10th overall in the league over the course of the last three seasons."

As a lifelong Islander, Lee was selected in the 6th round (151st overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and played for the Isles AHL affiliate Sound Tigers scoring 46 points (25 and 21) after his dual-sport (Hockey and Football) college career at Notre Dame.

"Internationally, Lee has represented Team USA at three IIHF World Championships, scoring 17 points (10 goals and seven assists) in 28 games. He won a bronze medal in 2015 and 2018."

Per Andrew Gross on speaking with Lou Lamoriello, "Asked about bringing back Anders Lee, he jokes, "We didn't bring him back, he never left."

Per Arthur Staple, "Anders Lee on Robin Lehner going to Chicago: "It's really tough to see Robin go. We're all disappointed it didn't work out but we wish him nothing but the best in Chicago, he'll do great there." Robin Lehner signed a $5M, one-year deal ($1M with $4M signing bonus) with the Chicago Blackhawks.

This was an interesting development, especially after the Islanders had a 2 year, $10M deal on the table during free agency.  Lou Lamoriello said he did everything he could to bring Lehner back. Lehner claimed via report (@CRoumeliotis) on Twitter that he got an offer and the team moved on before he could get back to them. To me, that's on the Agent. No idea if Lehner felt slighted hearing KHL star goaltender and Isles prospect, Ilya Sorokin part of future in net for New York, but that opened the door for Semyon Varlamov. 

Semyon Varlamov, 31, agreed to terms on a four-year, $20M contract ($5M AAV). Per Andrew Gross, "Semyon Varlamov said he believes Islanders/Long Island is right place for him and his family. Exciting to work with #Isles coaching staff, including director of goaltending Mitch Korn and goalie coach Piero Greco." Craig Custance tweeted a 4-year comparison of the Vezina nominees (2019 for Lehner, 2014 for Varlamov) for total save percentage. “Robin Lehner .920 (179 games) Semyon Varlamov .911 (124 games).” In 'Varlamov's last eight seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, he was 183-156-38 with a 20-19-9 record, a 2.87 GAA and .909 Sv%.

Varlamov is older, but very skilled and should only improve in the system implemented by Barry Trotz and his coaching staff. Per Brian Compton, "Varlamov excited to work with Mitch Korn and Piero Greco, and of course Thomas Greiss. He said he's known Ilya Sorokin for about three years and that "he's the best goalie in the KHL." Doesn't know Sorokin's future plans." Varlamov and Sorokin share the same agent.

Per NHL release, "A selection of the Washington Capitals in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2006 NHL Draft, Varlamov has an overall record of 213-169-50, a 2.68 GAA and a .916 SV% in 448 career games with the Capitals and Avalanche. Internationally, Varlamov has represented Russia at three World Championships (2010, 2012, 2013) and the World Junior Championship in 2007 where he had a 5-1 record, helping Team Russia to a silver medal."

The New York Islanders also signed Tom Kuhnhackl to a one-year contract.

Kuhnhackl scored nine points (4 & 5) in 36 games with New York last season and chipped in 3 points in the eight Isles playoff games last season. He was a valuable depth player and contributed when called upon.

The Islanders are far from done. Pieces are still needed and the team needs to improve on paper before camp. They will most likely add depth and could even add a major piece or two via trade. Names have been thrown around and top tier prospects will get a chance just like Devon Toews did last season.

Let's wait a little bit before the panic sets in.

Isles Notes:

Per Cap Friendly, "After re-signing Anders Lee to a 7yr 7M AAV, the #Islanders now have $13,653,334 in projected cap space, with a roster of 21 (13F/7D/1G). Remaining RFA's: Anthony Beauvillier, Michael Dal Colle, Joshua Ho-Sang."

Per Arthur Staple, "Lou on Belmont groundbreaking this summer: "In the very near future I won't have to answer this question anymore."

Valtteri Filppula signed with the Detroit RedWings on a 2-year contract.

Per Andrew Gross, "Lou also says Valtteri Filppula told him he wanted to "go home" to Detroit to finish his career. Filppula has a long relationship with GM Steve Yzerman. Lou said he totally understood."