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Islanders Casey Cizikas contract could a bit more than $2.5 million

By Michel Anderson

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 /
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We’re all waiting for any news from New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello about his summer signings. We know he’s done something this offseason, we just don’t know what he did, yet.

And that’s still the case, but as the season grows closer we’re starting to get a bit more information. Like how Casey Cizikas‘ deal might be a little higher than $2.5 million.

New York Islanders Casey Cizikas might have signed for more than $2.5 million

You’ll remember that Elliott Friedman reported the Isles and Cizikas has potentially* agreed to a six-year deal with a $2.5 million cap hit. I used an asterisk next to potentially because Friedman was clear to mention that he wasn’t sure that particular rumor was correct.

Today, Arthur Staple stated he heard the same rumor but that that the AAV might be “a bit higher”.

How much higher isn’t quite clear, but like Staple suggests anything below a $3 million cap hit is a great benefit for the Islanders. Remember Cizikas’ last deal carried a $3.35 million AAV. Any savings on the cap is worth it for the Isles.

Specifillcay if those savings are attached to Casey Cizikas.

The beating heart of the team drives the Islanders identity from the fourth line with his strong defensive games and relentless physical forechecking. Keeping him around was a must this offseason.

This is a player that not only gives the Isles their identity (which is already a big deal), he can also provide them with timely scoring. Don’t forget that 20 goal season from 2018-19 while averaging 14:00 minutes of ice time. He followed that up with a pace of 17 goals in the following year.

The interest outside of the Islanders organization was there. The Seattle Kraken tried to get him as did other teams I’m sure. But Cizikas reportedly priced them out of a contract, asking for a $5 million AAV.

It’s clear he wants to stay with the Islanders. And why not? He has an incredibly important role for the team that drafted and developed him into an NHLer and now they’re on the cusp of winning a cup. Why go anywhere else? Taking a discount to do so would make him an immediate fan favorite if he wasn’t already one.

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