The New York Islanders had a flurry of news today. There was some bad (being potentially kicked out of the Barclays Center), and some good news- this regarding an extension for their starting goaltender. The club announced that goaltender Thomas Greiss signed a three-year contract extension. The contract is worth a total of $10 million with an average annual value of $3.3 million. It locks Greiss in until the end of the 2020-21 National Hockey League season.
#Isles Transaction: Thomas Greiss has agreed to terms on a three-year deal. Details: https://t.co/NMV0wM8mI8 pic.twitter.com/KMXJtPFmiw
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 31, 2017
Thomas Greiss Signs Extension with the New York Islanders
Despite a rough season for the Islanders and Greiss’ counterpart in net- Jaroslav Halak, Greiss has emerged as a solid starting netminder who can hold his own and help try and get the team on track. Earlier this year, the Isles placed Halak on the trade block and were in need of locking down their crease. The decision was easy as Greiss was the obvious choice. This year’s numbers include a record of 14-7-3 (24 starts), with a goals against average of 2.25 and a save percentage of .928. Last season, Greiss went 23-11-4 with a GAA of 2.36 and a save percentage of .925. Greiss also led the Islanders to their first Stanley Cup Playoffs series win since 1993.
“It’s the most success I’ve ever had playing hockey, so it’s been fun,” Greiss told Newsday.com after signing his new deal. “It’s a great organization, we have great guys on the team. That makes you more comfortable on the ice, too.”
With the Islanders currently fighting for a playoff spot (Ranked 20th in NHL, 6th in Metropolitan Division), this signing serves as a confidence booster for Greiss. He will be fighting to keep the hopes of another playoff berth alive in Brooklyn.
Greiss was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and has since bounced around several teams in the League including the Sharks, the Arizona Coyotes and the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, Greiss has seemed to have found a home in New York after arriving last season.
Main Photo:
BROOKLYN, NY – DECEMBER 08: New York Islanders Goalie Thomas Greiss (1) blocks a shot on goal during the third period of a regular season NHL game between the St. Louis Blues and the New York Islanders on December 08, 2016, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
