Eyes On Isles
Fansided

Islanders Working On Casey Cizikas & Adam Pelech Deals

By Matt O'Leary

Mar 22, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Islanders center Casey Cizikas (53) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Islanders center Casey Cizikas (53) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Yesterday was a quiet day in New York Islanders‘ land. Nothing was officially announced but it was reported that Zach Parise and Kyle Palmieri are returning to the Island.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Islanders were also (and still are) working on deals for both Adam Pelech and Casey Cizikas. Starting with Casey Cizikas this comes as no surprise.

It was crickets yesterday on the open market, which is likely a good sign for the Islanders. He absolutely could’ve cashed in, just look at what Blake Coleman got, but I think all signs are pointing to him staying on Long Island so this report makes a ton of sense.

Pagnotta said that Pelech is looking for a long-term deal worth more than $6 million per season. Will it get up that high?

When looking at some of the deals that have been signed for defensemen, for example, four years at $3.65 million AAV for a 36-year-old Ryan Suter, or Alec Martinez at a $5.25 million cap hit.

I think most anticipated him coming in around $5 million per year plus or minus a few thousand one way or the either but as of now, it looks like that might be on the lower side, and perhaps he does push $6 million after all.

What the Islanders are keeping

Casey Cizikas is an integral part of the identity of the Islanders. Yes, he’s a fourth-line center but for how this team plays it’s a very important piece, plus he’s fairly productive. In 56 games, he put up 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) which is roughly a pace of 10 goals and 21 points.

He’s someone who kills penalties and plays important minutes for this team. Also, he’s been a pretty dominant faceoff guy the last two years coming in at 53.4%.

As for Pelech, he doesn’t give much in point production but he’s just so good defensively.

99th percentile in even-strength defense is just unbelievable. He’s one of the more underrated defensemen in the league and it looks like he’s about to get his payday. Honestly, can’t blame Lou if it does get over $6 million, the Isles need him on this team long-term.

We’ll see what Lou Lamoriello does today (if anything) but positive signs regarding the return of Cizikas and Pelech.

Home/Editorials