The New York Islanders have announced they have signed veteran defenceman Andy Greene to a new contract. In addition, the Islanders officially announced they signed Matt Martin and Cory Schneider
Lamoriello confirms Cory Schneider, Matt Martin and Andy Greene have signed and will be in #Isles camp
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) December 31, 2020
Andy Greene Signs With Islanders
The veteran defenceman is coming for his 15th season in the NHL. Originally an undrafted free agent signed with the New Jersey Devils in 2006. Greene played a better part of 14 seasons with the Devils before being traded to the New York Islanders at the deadline. One of the reasons he got traded to the Islanders was because their general manager Lou Lamoriello knew Greene very well. Greene played a vital role in the Islanders getting to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 1993. Many thought Greene’s best days were behind, but he brought a breath of fresh air to the Islanders lineup. Once Johnny Boychuk went down in the qualifying round against the Florida Panthers, Greene stepped up in a big way. Greene logged about 17 minutes of ice time each night. He added four points (two goals and two assists) in 21 games.
Greene has appeared in 933 games racking up 249 points (49 goals and 200 assists). In 63 games this season splitting time between the Devils and Islanders, Greene recorded 12 points (two goals and 12 assists). For his career in the playoffs, Greene has recorded 13 points (five goals and eight assists). Out of the 14 years in the league, Greene made the playoffs in seven of those seasons. Greene went to the Stanley Cup Final once with the Devils in 2012 losing to the Los Angeles Kings in six games.
Going Forward
While Andy Greene is no longer a top-pairing defenceman anymore, he can still play in the league. Most notably as a third-pairing guy. That is where Greene is most effective going forward. Though he saw some time on the second pairing with the Islanders, his best days are behind. As a team, you do not need to have a 37-year old defenceman playing heavy minutes. He brings a veteran presence and depth to the Islanders that is necessary to win in the league.
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