The Islanders have signed Franz Nielsen to a four year deal worth $2.1-Million, per Greg Logan’s blog.
This is another great move by Garth in locking up yet another young forward. Nielsen should help in all offensive situations as he is a smart and creative player, he has shown he can be used during the shootout and help at the center position.
With expanded time on the ice, Nielsen could be a steal at the contract given.
Per the Islanders release (Hey, a week later is better than never at all – in reference to this post being made almost a week ago):
The New York Islanders have agreed to a four-year contract with center Frans Nielsen worth $2.1 million. The one-way contract will average $525,000 per year. Nielsen became the first Danish-born and raised citizen to play in the NHL during the 2006-07 season.
“We’re excited to have Frans locked up for the next four years,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. “We know he is going to come to training camp in great shape and ready to compete for his spot on the team.”
Nielsen split last season between the Islanders and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. In 16 games with the Islanders, Nielsen scored two goals with one assist for three points. With Bridgeport, Nielsen was the team’s fourth leading scorer despite playing in only 48 games. He scored ten goals with 28 assists for 38 points.
Nielsen made his NHL debut on January 6, 2007. In 31 career NHL games, Nielsen has scored three goals with two assists for five points. Nielsen was originally drafted by the Islanders in the third round (87th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
Building of the youth movement continues. Very exciting stuff that could lead to both consistent and long-term success.
With all these young kids getting signed, who are the veterans that will give these kids direction? Guerin?
1) Great bargain if Nielson becomes at least a 3rd line forward. Interesting gamble on the kids part as well, or is it?. Sure he’s guaranteed to make 2.1 mil over the next 4 years. Nice dough for the rest of the world. However it can be argued that he’s in essence stating that he doesn’t believe he can progress beyond a marginal NHL-er who makes the league minimum for 4 seasons?
2) If he believed he has the talent to be a decent NHL player a shorter deal that would allow for him to be compensated for that improvement would seem to be more in order, right? The Isles gamble is smaller. If it doesn’t work out, they can buy out the kids contract for 33 cents on the dollars remaining.