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New York Islanders Sign Ladd And Chimera

By Matt O'Leary
Mar 29, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Ladd (16) during a game between the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Ladd (16) during a game between the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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On the first day of free agency the New York Islanders signed Ladd and Chimera. Both are veteran players who have the tough task of replacing some fan favorites and long tenured Islanders that were lost today.

We’ll start with what the Islanders lost. Frans Nielsen signed a 6 year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. It averages out to just over $5 million a year. He’s coming off a 50 point season with the Islanders.

Kyle Okposo signed with the Buffalo Sabres, a 7 year $42 million contract. On a line with Eichel Okposo can certainly be expected to continue to put up 60 point seasons like he did last year. Of the two Okposo was expected to go, Frans Nielsen was not.

Inevitably Matt Martin will be out the door soon as well, with his asking price much too high. The Islanders had a lot of work to do today in order to try to replace Okposo, Nielsen and Martin.

The Replacements

The Islanders signed veteran Andrew Ladd to a 7 year deal. The average is $5.5 million a year for Ladd. With only a $500 thousand difference many were unhappy replacing Okposo with Ladd, partially due to Ladd being 30 and Okposo just 28 years old.

Ladd brings with him some veteran leadership and a Stanley Cup pedigree. With the Jets and Blackhawks he scored 25 goals last year. On a line with John Tavares I expect similar goal production and possibly an increase in points as well.

The other replacement was Jason Chimera. He will fill in nicely on the Islanders fourth line. Chimera was signed to a 2 year deal at $2.25 million a year. Even though he’s 37 years old he was still able to score 20 goals last year.

When comparing Chimera and Martin you have to look at two major factors. One is points, Chimera put up 40 points last year while Martin put up just 19. The other is Martin is expected to bring in over $3 million a year. I like Martin’s game but overall I think the Islanders found an upgrade for cheap.

Next: How To Replace Matt Martin

Losing Okposo and Nielsen really stings but I do like these two signings that the Islanders made today. I don’t think they should be done at this point. I think Garth Snow should try to make a trade also, but today could’ve been a lot worse.

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