On top of locking up winger Tom Kuhnhackl today, the Islanders also made several additions to their minor league team. In addition to confirming previously-reported agreements for goalie Christopher Gibson and defenseman Seth Helgeson, they also announced that they have signed winger Mike Sislo to a one-year deal plus winger Matt Lorito on a two-year contract.
Sislo receives a two-way pact and is coming off another strong season at the AHL level. The 30-year-old spent last season with Arizona’s AHL affiliate and tied for the team lead in goals with 23 while adding 24 assists in 68 games. He last saw NHL action in 2015-16 and projects to be a key AHL contributor more than a regular for the Isles next season.
Lorito’s deal is structured a little differently. He also will play on a two-way contract in 2018-19 but it converts to a one-way pact in 2019-20. The 27-year-old has very limited NHL experience under his belt (two games with Detroit in 2016-17) but has been a consistent producer in the AHL for the last three seasons. Last season, he picked up 23 goals and 26 assists in 59 games with the Red Wings’ minor league affiliate in Grand Rapids.
The signings bring the Islanders up to 37 committed contracts for next season out of the limit of 50 with five restricted free agents still to re-sign, headlined by center Brock Nelson.
Lots of islander news recently. Anything I missed?
Only this…they are going to be a hard team to watch. Feel for you Isle fans.