New York Islanders Pending 2017 Free Agent Class

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Feb 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Islanders right wing Stephen Gionta (24) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Gionta

Cap Hit: $575,000
End of Season Status: UFA

Gionta’s been alright in a Blue and Orange uniform. He’s had limited time, but that’s what he was brought in to do. Fill in when the Islanders are in a pinch.

Like when both Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck were out with injury. In comes Stephen Gionta to fill out that fourth line.

With 17 games with the Isles, Gionta has five points. More importantly, he’s a +6 player. Sure, +/- isn’t the most reliable predictive stat, but it’s an alright descriptive one.

Gionta has been a wash when tossed into the Islanders lineup. He’s put up a few points, but he’s made sure not to put the Isles in a losing situation whenever he finds himself on the ice.

That’s all the Isles were hoping for. That when called upon he wouldn’t be a liability for the Isles.

If the Isles could get Gionta to sign the exact same deal I wouldn’t be too mad. So a two-way . $650,000 deal to stay with the Islanders and fulfill the exact same duties. I know that’s more money, but that’s the NHL minimum for a Standard Player Contract for the 2017-18 season.