New York Islanders Land Mark Streit

This was posted on TSN.ca’s live 2008 Free Agent Signings Tracker at 8:06 p.m. (E.T.):

” New York Islanders sign defenceman Mark Streit to a five-year contract worth $20.5 million”

Sportsnet.ca confirms that the New York Islanders have signed UFA defenseman/forward Mark Streit to a 5 year/$20.5 million deal.

” Streit had a breakout year offensively last season, scoring 13 goals and adding 49 assists in 81 games for the Montreal Canadiens. He had a plus-minus of minus-6.”

Well, Streit has really hit the paydirt here. $20.5 million guaranteed for basically one good NHL season. The Islanders desperately needed a power play quarterback and they got one. Streit doesn’t give you a big, physical body needed in the Eastern Conference but he gives you a shifty d-man who is able to move up to the wing. Let’s be honest, the Islanders are a team which is constantly rebuilding and adding bit components. Maybe Streit can attract a few talented Swiss-born players to the Island. Where are David Aebischer and Reto von Arx? Garth Snow should find out.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Ezra Ginsburg.