NY Islanders Sign Michael Grabner to Five-Year Extension

The New York Islanders announced on Friday that they have signed left wing Michael Grabner to a five-year contract extension worth $15 million. The deal will pay him $1 million in 2011-12, $2 million in 2012-13, $3 million in 2013-14, $4 million in 2014-15, and $5 million in 2015-16. The 23-year-old left winger, who is a finalist for the Calder Trophy this year as rookie-of-the-year, would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. Grabner was claimed off waivers by the Islanders from the Florida Panthers this past October. He was acquired by the Panthers last summer from the Vancouver Canucks along with Steve Bernier and a first round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft in exchange for Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich. In 76 games this past season with the Islanders, Grabner had 34 goals and 18 assists for 52 points. This is a decent signing for the Islanders, as Grabner had a very impressive rookie season for the rebuilding team. He's a fast skater, a great goal-scorer, and has lots of offensive potential. He should be an excellent scorer for the Islanders for years to come and will be an important piece on offense as they continue to rebuild their team.

NY Islanders Claim Michael Grabner Off Waivers from Panthers

The New York Islanders announced today that they have claimed left wing Michael Grabner off waivers from the Florida Panthers. He was originally acquired by the Panthers on June 25 from the Vancouver Canucks along with Steve Bernier in exchange for Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich. In 20 games last season with Vancouver, Grabner had five goals and six assists for 11 points. He also appeared in 38 games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points. Not a bad pickup for the Islanders, as Grabner has plenty of offensive upside. He can score goals, skates well, and can play either wing, making him an effective forward for the Islanders. He will likely start the season with the team given the injuries to forwards Kyle Okposo and Rob Schremp.

Panthers Deal Ballard to Canucks for Bernier

The Florida Panthers have traded defenseman Keith Ballard and right wing Victor Oreskovich to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for right wing Steve Bernier, left wing Michael Grabner, and Vancouver's first round pick in 2010. The Panthers then selected left wing Quinton Howden with the pick. In all 82 games last season with the Panthers, Ballard had eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points. Oreskovich appeared in 50 games with the Panthers, scoring two goals and four assists for six points. He also played in 34 games with Rochester of the AHL, scoring six goals and nine assists for 15 points.

In 59 games last season with the Canucks, Bernier had 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Grabner appeared in 20 games with the Canucks, scoring five goals and six assists for 11 points. He also played in 38 games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points. Howden appeared in 65 games with Moose Jaw of the WHL last season, scoring 28 goals and 37 assists for 65 points.

Not a bad trade for the Panthers and Canucks to make, as it addresses needs for both teams, but I think the Panthers have the edge in this one. Bernier isn't a huge goal-scorer, but does have some scoring potential and also owns great size. Grabner has lots of offensive potential and the ability to score goals, making him a good fit for the rebuilding Panthers. Howden was very impressive last season in the WHL, and if he can continue to improve his play, he will be a great forward for the team down the road. Ballard gives the Canucks another puck-moving defenseman and also plays a physical game, so he should be a good fit for Vancouver. Oreskovich gives the team a big-bodied winger and some upside, so he might be able to find a spot on the third or fourth line next season.