Isles News and Links 9/11/2015: Barzal Signs Entry-Level Contract

Need your daily dose of all-things Islanders? We’ve got everything here covered from around the Internet and the ever-growing Twitter-sphere. As we prepare for the start of a new era in Brooklyn, keep it here on Eyes on Isles for the latest news and reaction about everything Islanders.

Top Prospect Mathew Barzal Signs Entry-Level Contract

After drafting center Mathew Barzal 16th overall in the first overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, the new York Islanders have signed him to a three-year entry-level contract. To read more, visit the islander website. [New York Islanders]

Barzal came into last season as a sure-fire top five pick. However, injuries and a slight decrease in consistency made him fall into the Islanders’ lap. He will likely play one more season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, but probably has a decent shot at making the roster next season.

The Captain is Back in New York

On Friday, captain John Tavares returned to the ice on Long Island by participating in some informal skates and drills at the Islanders Iceworks. He is preparing for training camp, which is just around the corner. For more, read Cory Wright’s article on the New York Islanders’ website. [New York Islanders]

Former Islander Miroslav Satan Named GM of Team Europe at 2016 World Cup of Hockey

Everyone remembers Miroslav Satan. The 40-year-old played three full seasons with the Islanders and put up a decent amount of points during that span (from 2005 to 2008). Now the recently retired KHL player will have a new gig as the GM of Team Europe for the upcoming 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He will have to choose his team from countries all over Europe with the exceptions of Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland, whi will ice their own teams. For more, read this from Stanley Cup of Chowder. [Stanley Cup of Chowder]

So who does Satan have to pick from? Players like fellow Slovakians Zdeno Chara, Marian Gaborik, Andrej Sekera and Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak come to mind. Switzerland has grown a decent crop of candidates in Roman Josi, Nino Niederreiter, Jonas Hiller and Mark Streit. Thrown in to the mix Slovenian Anze Kopitar, Latvian Zemgus Girgensons, and Danes Frederik Andersen and Mikkel Boedker, he has himself a pretty skilled team. I would not underestimate this team.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Isles News and Links.

Next: Isles Should Sign a Seventh Defenceman

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