NHL
Islanders ink three RFAs for 2 years
Just three weeks into free agency and the Islanders have locked up three of their four RFAs to two-year contracts. The only RFA remaining unsigned is Brock Nelson, who has an arbitration hearing set for August 3rd.
Devon Toews, one of the Islanders top defensive prospects, inked a two-year, one-way contract. In 2015, Toews’ first season in the Islanders organization, he put up 45 points in 76 games and joined the AHL All-Star game. He was expected to join the team late last season after posting 22 points in 30 games, but an injury ended his season early.
Ryan Pulock also signed a two-year deal to remain with the Islanders. He was a lone bright spot for their defense down the stretch with 32 points in the last 68 games.
Kyle Burroughs signed a two year, two-way contract. The defenseman was drafted in the seventh round of the 2013 draft and has played the last four years in Bridgeport. He had a career-high 25 points last year in 75 games.
What does it mean?
For Toews, this is clearly a sign that the Islanders anticipate him jumping up to the NHL level this year. There are hopes that Toews can be a top 4 defenseman in time, but expectations are to take on his last pairing.
Pulock will look to continue his success at the NHL level where he would have been on pace for 38 points in a full 82-game season.
Burroughs will aim to prove in the next two years that he is worthy of the NHL as many think. He was seen as the best defenseman prospect playing in Bridgeport, behind Toews.
2018-19 D-Line Expectations
The roster doesn’t change much from last year following De Haan’s injury. With no other moves, these are my projected lines next year:
Leddy – Boychuk
Hickey – Pulock
Toews – Mayfield
