The New York Islanders have signed three players. The team has agreed to deals with Felix Bibeau, Cole Coskey and Blade Jenkins. Hockey is nearing its return but these players will be minor league depth for the next several seasons. Each deal is for three years according to CapFriendly. Brian Compton of NHL.com broke the news Thursday afternoon.
#Isles have agreed to terms with Felix Bibeau, Cole Coskey and Blade Jenkins.
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) May 28, 2020
Islanders Sign Felix Bibeau and Others
Each of the three have been playing in the CHL this year. Bibeau has split time with Quebec and Chicoutimi in the QMJHL while both Coskey and Jenkins skated with the OHL’s Saginaw program. Coskey was having the most productive season. The 20-year-old had 34 goals and 80 points in 62 games before the Canadian leagues shut down.
The Islanders selected Jenkins in the fifth round of the 2018 Draft. Bibeau and Coskey came in the sixth and seventh rounds of the 2019 Draft, respectively. None of the three leap out as future stars but all three could be serviceable bottom-six forward options in the future. All three are listed at 6’0″ and could provide occasional scoring with their primary value coming as forecheckers or penalty killers. Their future roles will become clearer as hockey resumes at various levels over the next year.
What This Means for the Future
This is a strong trio of signings. None of these three are future stars but Coskey was a good goal scorer in 2019-20. They are cheap entry-level options as well for a team that has some decisions to make regarding its bottom-six. The Islanders have done a good job managing contracts but still have to decide how much money to offer star Mathew Barzal when this season ends. Anthony Beauvillier will need a new contract next summer as well. They also need to consider extensions for Matt Martin or Derick Brassard. Signing Coskey, Jenkins and Bibeau gives the Isles extra prospect flexibility for the next several seasons.
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