Islanders Sign Top Pick Barzal To 3-Year Deal

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Islanders have signed first-round draft pick Mathew Barzal to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Islanders announced the signing Thursday of the 16th overall pick in the recent NHL draft.

Barzal, a 6-foot, 182-pound forward, had 12 goals and 45 assists in 44 games last season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. He added four goals and four assists in the playoffs.

Of a more pressing concern, the Islanders have yet to sign forward Brock Nelson. If the restricted free agent does not come to terms with the team prior to the beginning of training camp he will have to sit out the season, according to the club's policy.

Nelson had 20 goals and 42 points last season, his second in the NHL.

The Islanders signed forward Steve Bernier to a professional tryout Wednesday. The 30-year-old Bernier had 16 goals and 16 assists in 67 games last season for the New Jersey Devils.

The Islanders will open their first season at Brooklyn's Barclays Center against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 9.

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