Report: Islanders Still Working To Bring Back Veteran Nielsen
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Islanders figure to look a lot different by the time training camp rolls around in September, but they do want to keep one of their three impact free agents right where he is.
According to a report in the New York Post over the weekend, veteran forward Frans Nielsen looks like he will test free agency when the signing window opens on Friday after rejecting an offer from the Islanders that would pay him at least $5.5 million in annual value.
However, Newsday's Arthur Staple questioned the report, saying he has been told the Isles and the 32-year-old center are actually closer to a deal than many believe, and that the salary in the reported offer is not correct.
Nielsen has said in the past he wants to remain with the Islanders, the only NHL team he has ever played for, so on the surface Staple's report may be more accurate, despite it lacking specifics.
Nielsen played the previous four seasons on a team-friendly contract that paid him $2.75 million on average per season, but the Post report said he could receive at least $6 million per season on the open market in a deal that would run through at least his age-36 season.
Bringing Nielsen back appears to be a top priority for the Islanders, who almost certainly will lose top-six forward Kyle Okposo and fourth-line stalwart Matt Martin when the signing period begins. Nielsen had 20 goals and 32 assists during the 2015-16 season and helped the Isles to their first playoff series win since 1993.
Regardless of what happens with Nielsen, general manager Garth Snow is under a lot of pressure to add proven veteran pieces around franchise center John Tavares. The Islanders have been rumored to be interested in the top free agents available, including sniper Steven Stamkos, but more than a few reporters have suggested Snow is much more inclined to trade for help than attempt to sign big-ticket players.
According to GeneralFanager.com, the Islanders are currently committed to roughly $57.6 million in contracts for the 2016-17 season. With the NHL salary cap expected to be $73 million, the Isles may have to move out a veteran contract or two to really have a shot at a player like Stamkos, especially if they sign Nielsen.
Keep in mind the Isles also have to come to terms with a handful of their own restricted free agents, including forwards Ryan Strome and Shane Prince.
Staple also noted that if the Isles don't trade for a forward or pursue Stamkos, they could turn their attention to free agents Andrew Ladd or Mikkel Boedker, and, if their efforts with Nielsen fall apart, make a run at veteran center David Backes.
