The New York Islanders have made another offseason move. The club have agreed on a one-year deal to bring back one of their restricted free agents. The 23-year-old Swedish forward Simon Holmstrom is the player coming back to the team after signing the contract. Holmstrom signs a one-way $850K deal, instead of taking his qualifying offer of $874K two-way option.
#Isles re-signed F Simon Holmstrom to 1 year, $850K (1-way) contract, per @PuckPedia. https://t.co/cJ21UwtBdT
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) July 16, 2024
Simon Holmstrom Re-Signs Contract With the Islanders
The Islanders selected Holmstrom with the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Holmstrom had more than a point-per-game in two seasons in the SuperElit League (50 points in 49 games). He won a gold medal with Team Sweden at the 2018 Mens Under-18 World Championships scoring six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games.
In 125 NHL games he scored 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists). In addition, he racked up 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists) in 154 games with the Islanders American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport. He got his chance with the main team two years ago. He was much more productive in the 2023-24 season as compared to his first in 2022-23. Holmstrom recorded just nine points (six goals, three assists) in 50 games in his first season. However, he turned in a respectable 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) in 75 games this past year. He started the season on the top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal but was moved down and carved himself out a consistent bottom six role with the team and saw consistent penalty kill time. His five shorthanded goals and seven shorthanded points led the team and ranked second overall in the National Hockey League. He established himself as a solid two-way player as he added 53 takeaways this season and 46 blocked shots.
What Does it Mean
This signing means the Islanders get to keep around one of their young players that they still hope to develop more. The team will hope that this contract will allow Simon Holmstrom to develop a more consistent offensive game to go along with the defensive side. It means he will be penciled in to the opening night lineup on either the third or fourth line. In addition it also means that the Islanders get their player back on a cheap deal, that is important now have just $5ok in cap space left to work with. Other potential moves like a Jean-Gabriel Pageau buyout could create more cap space. If not that, then General Manager Lou Lamoriello might have to get creative in order to add more to his team.
Main photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
