NY Islanders Sign Al Montoya to One-Year Extension

The New York Islanders announced today that they have signed goaltender Al Montoya to a one-year contract extension through the 2011-12 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been eligible for restricted free agency this summer. Montoya was acquired by the Islanders on February 9 from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. In 17 games this season with New York, he has an 8-4-4 record, one shutout, a 2.35 GAA, and a .923 save percentage. He has also appeared in 21 games with San Antonio of the AHL, posting an 11-8-0 record, with a 3.19 GAA and a .891 save percentage. This is a good signing for the Islanders, as Montoya has been solid in goal for the team since his acquisition this past February. He has added lots of stability in net while Rick Dipietro has been injured and will likely play just as well next season.

NY Islanders Acquire Al Montoya from Coyotes for Draft Pick

The New York Islanders announced on Wednesday night that they have acquired goaltender Al Montoya from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Islanders were in need of a goalie after rookie Kevin Poulin suffered a season-ending knee injury in the warm-up for Tuesday's game against Toronto. The Islanders are also currently without Rick DiPietro, who suffered face and knee injuries after fighting Pittsburgh's Brent Johnson last week, Nathan Lawson, who also has a knee injury, and Evgeni Nabokov, who has refused to report to the team since being claimed off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings on January 22. In 21 games this season with San Antonio of the AHL, Montoya has posted an 11-8-0 record, with a 3.19 GAA and a .891 save percentage. He will report to the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. This should be a good opportunity for Montoya, as he has spent much of his career in the AHL and should bring plenty of experience in net for the Islanders. He could emerge as a reliable backup for the team as the rest of the season plays out.

Coyotes Re-Sign Montoya and Lepisto

The Phoenix Coyotes have announced that they have signed goaltender Al Montoya and defenseman Sami Lepisto to one-year contracts. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Montoya would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and Lepisto a restricted free agent. Not bad depth signings for the Coyotes, as Lepisto has decent puck-moving skills and plays with some toughness, while Montoya has good puck-handling skills and the still the potential to become a backup in the NHL.