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Wed May 25 05:57pm EDT

Kyle Okposo commits to Islanders for 5 years; new captain?

By Greg Wyshynski

New York Islanders GM Garth Snow appears to have a thing for chronological symbolism.

Please recall earlier this month when the Islanders announced a $400 million plan to construct a new arena and then followed it with news that Michael Grabner(notes), their Calder Trophy nominated sniper, had signed a 5-year deal.

Now, sandwiched in-between a rally in support of that arena and the retirement of current Islanders captain Doug Weight(notes) on Thursday, comes news that forward Kyle Opkoso has signed a 5-year extension worth $14 million, according to Ken Campbell of The Hockey News.

That's a $2.8 million cap hit per season. That's a hell of a deal.

From the Islanders:

"I'm very excited to commit to the Islanders for the next five years, especially with the news of the new Coliseum," Okposo said. "This team really showed its potential in the second half of the season last year and I'm excited to be a part of getting the franchise back to the playoffs."

Okposo, 23, scored five goals with 15 assists in 38 games for the Islanders last season. The St. Paul, MN, native missed the first 44 games of 2010-11 due to a shoulder injury, which he suffered during training camp.

"Kyle has been a critical part of our young core over the past few seasons," said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. "He is a high character guy that brings size and a scoring touch to our lineup."

The Islanders now have Matt Moulson(notes) signed through 2014, Grabner and Okposo through 2016 and will have a new John Tavares(notes) deal by Summer 2012.

(At this point, we must bring up that Rick DiPietro(notes) is signed through 2021 and Alexei Yashin(notes) is on the payroll through 2015. What, you thought it'd be all sunshine and lollipops for the Islanders?)

Chris Botta wonders if the Islanders have locked up their new captain today. It's gotta be either Okposo or Mark Streit(notes), one imagines.

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