New York Islanders Daily: Valtteri Filppula Signs One-Year Deal

The New York Islanders added a third line center on a one-year $2.75 million deal. Valtteri Filppula will help round out the Islanders bottom six.

When you lose your franchise player on July 1 there’s no silver lining. The New York Islanders had one of the darkest days in franchise history yesterday, so nothing really could cheer is up. Especially when the team just added depth players.

I don’t think Lou Lamoriello is done building this team just yet, which is a good thing obviously, but so far it’s been a rough free agency period. The Islanders capped off day one by signing Valtteri Filppula to a one-year $2.75 million deal.

Filppula should serve as a competent third line center, someone who is smart defensively and someone who can help on the penalty kill. The last part is the most important. The Isles had the worst PK in the league last year coming in at just 73.2 percent.

Both Filppula and Leo Komarov, who also signed yesterday, should be able to help with that. Filppula can still give you something offensively despite his older age of 34 years old. Last year, in 81 games, he had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists).

The Islanders still have a major hole at center, on the second line, as Mathew Barzal slots up to the first line. They’re likely going to have to address this need, the goalie position and defense too, via trade. I’m curious to see what Lou Lamoriello does now.

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