Got some breaking news!
The Islanders have just announced that they have signed veteran forward Doug Weight to a one year contract extension.
Per the Islanders official press release:
The Islanders have signed center Doug Weight to a one-year contract extension.
In his first season with the Islanders, Weight is third on the team in scoring with nine goals and 26 assists for 35 points despite missing 29 games due to injury.
Weight originally signed with the Islanders as an unrestricted free agent on July 2, 2008. The contract runs through the 2009-10 season. “Long Island has been a wonderful place for me and my family,” Weight said. “It was an easy decision to come back for another season. The Islanders have been a first-class organization and I’m looking forward to helping our team continue its development into a contender.”
Weight is a four-time NHL All-Star and won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2005-06 and was an Olympic Silver Medalist with the United States in 2002. Weight has played in 1,180 games and has scored 274 goals and 730 assists for 1,004 points in 17 NHL seasons. He recorded his 1,000th NHL point on January 2nd, 2009 at Phoenix and became the eighth American-born player and 73rd NHL player to reach that plateau. Weight is also one of 45 all-time NHL players, and one of four American-born hockey players, to have recorded at least 200 goals and 700 assists in their careers In addition to the 2002 team, Weight also played on the 1998 United States Olympic Team and represented the United States in the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and 2004. A native of Warren, Michigan, Weight played collegiate hockey for two years with Lake Superior State University from 1989 to 1991. After the 1990-91 season, Weight was named to the CCHA First All-Star Team and the NCAA’s West Second All-American Team.
I know I have been a big Doug Weight fan this season from the moment I interviewed him at his introduction over the summer. Weight came to the Islanders looking to prove he could still be a force in this young mans game. He proved he can and then some.
Weight has been an important mentor and leader for this young Islanders club, I am estatic he was signed prior to the end of the season. This was a very good move by Garth Snow!
I wonder if Weight has second thoughts about his contract extension after tonight 9-0 shelacking by the Canes.
How is Gordon a candidate as assistant USA coach after this kind of year?
They just announced before the game started that Gordon was named asst. coach to the USA team. This could be a remarkable opportunity for Scott to observe different systems and better tailor it to the players he has.
I’m bummed to see this weekend as the end of the season. Although it’s been a long season, the Isles really played so many teams tough and only rarely had truly terrible games.
I’m looking forward to see what will be done with the team wtih the off-season and to see how they deal with DiPi coming back.
IslesFanInCA,
I agree, while I am bummed the season is over – I am excited to see what happens this summer. The team has the potential to really turn the corner with the draft and whatever (if any) transactions during the off season.
I will also likely be at the draft again – which makes the prospect of picking a franchise player all that much more exciting.
With a healthy team (and goaltender) – I see no reason why we cannot make some noise next year. Gordon will be fresh off his rookie year, make the necessary adjustments, learn from world play and have a healthy team – it’s going to be interesting for sure.
Ditto.
Weird feeling to have the season closing. Never thought I’d enjoy a last-place year this much (lol). Can’t help looking toward next year and how it will be a progression in the rebuild. Crossing fingers for DiPietro and a good, healthy summer…
Of ALL the things Gordon needs to focus on this off-season, I want him to focus on finishing games, not giving up third-period leads. I want them coming back next year and finishing their games. Whenever they have a lead in the third period, that lead has to hold.
I guess it comes from my Mets blowing 19 leads last year that has carried over for me weatching the Isles blowing numerous 2-goal third period leads.