Casey Cizikas, Islanders agree to five-year $16.75M extension

The New York Islanders have agreed to terms with pending restricted free agent forward Casey Cizikas to a five-year contract extension.

According to Newsday’s Arthur Staple the deal is worth $16.75 million over five years. This comes out to an annual salary cap hit of $3.35 million per-year.

Re-signing Cizikas was an important first step for Islanders general manager Garth Snow in what’s sure to be a busy offseason. Snow needs to figure out what to do with several of his players. These include pending unrestricted free agent forwards Matt Martin, Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen.

New York also has to figure out how to handle goaltender Jaroslav Halak after the more reasonably price Thomas Greiss led tht team to the second-round of the playoffs.

The Islanders currently have 35 contracts worth $57.578 million locked into next year according to General Fanager.

“Casey has developed into a highly dependable two-way center and we’re pleased to sign him through 2021,” Snow said in a statement. “His energy and passion both on the ice and in the community, make him an invaluable piece of our lineup.”

Last season the 25-year-old Cizikas player scored eight goals and had 29 points in 80 games played. Cizikas combined with Martin and Cal Clutterbuck to create one of the better, and more energetic, fourth lines in the NHL.

Said Islanders captain John Tavares to Newsday about the team’s fourth-line in an interview from last March.

“They bring a lot of energy. They’re physical. They’re hard on the other team, but they get the puck in the net. Casey’s had a great year. Cal has gone back to the way he can score . . . And Marty does what Marty does. He’s such a physical presence. Teams really feel him on the forecheck in front of the net.”

Said Cizikas in a statement provided by the Islanders, “I’m thrilled to remain a New York Islander for the next five years. The organization has been first class ever since I was drafted and we’ve come so far as a team during my time here. I’m excited to continue to be a part of this group as we build towards the ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup.”

The Islanders have reportedly started contract talks with Nielsen, but none with Okposo or Martin.

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