Not really what I was expecting today, but news is news – especially when it is GOOD news! The Islanders have announced that they have signed Journeyman defensman Freddy Meyer IV to a two year contract extension.
Per the Islanders Website:
The Islanders have signed defenseman Freddy Meyer to a two-year contract extension through the 2009-2010 NHL season.
In recent weeks, Meyer has filled in more than capably on the blue line when Radek Martinek, Brendan Witt and Chris Campoli were sidelined with injuries and he has emerged as a regular on the Islanders defense, often playing more than 20 minutes a game. Earlier this season, Meyer was lost on waivers to Phoenix but was reacquired by the Islanders when the Coyotes tried to put him through re-entry waivers.
“Freddy has earned this contract extension with his talent, work ethic and perseverance,” said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. “He has been through a lot this season, but his attitude never wavered. He is a solid defenseman in all aspects of the game and we’re pleased he has made a commitment to us for two more seasons beyond this year.”
Meyer joins fellow D-man Radek Martinek and winger Richard Park who have also received contract extensions earlier in the season. I think this is a great move, because Meyer has stepped up his play and filled in nicely. Even in his limited role earlier in the season, he stepped up and made that smooth pass of hard hit – which is something we have come to love out of Meyer. Kudos to Snow for locking him up, but much like the trade of Bootland – does this open up the door for something bigger? Has the team determined that someone is now expendable? Time will tell I guess, this organization is watertight when it comes to it’s plans.
Update! 5:10PM
It appears that Islander Mania is reporting that Campoli will be undergoing season ending shoulder surgery and that Meyer’s extension is the result of that development. Nothing concrete yet – but I will check some sources.
CONFIRMED PER ISLANDERS INSIDER
CAMPOLI’S SEASON IS OVER
Chris Campoli, one of the Islanders’ top young defensemen, will have shoulder surgery on Thursday and will be out for the remainder of the 2007-08 seasonDefenseman Chris Campoli will have shoulder surgery on Thursday and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2007-08 NHL season.
The 23-year old defenseman will have his surgery performed at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Anthony Miniaci, the head team physician of the Cleveland Browns. Dr. Maniaci was a prime consultant for the National Hockey League Players Association for many years and continues to evaluate and operate on many NHL players at the Cleveland Clinic.
The 6-0, 200-pound Campoli played 46 games for the Islanders this season, his third with the team after being selected in the seventh round of the 2004 NHL Draft. He had 4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points this season. In 177 NHL games, the Ontario native is 14-52-66.
“It’s a tough break for Chris. He’s been such a good player and he’s shown a lot of heart this season while battling the injury,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. “The good news is that he will be under the best medical care and he has so many good years ahead of him. With Chris out, an opportunity opens up for someone to take advantage of. Thankfully, we had depth at the start of the season with at least 9 quality NHL defensemen. You can never have enough of them.”
Earlier today, defenseman Freddy Meyer was signed to a two-year contract extension through 2009-2010.
