Islanders: 5 highlights that define Leo Komarov’s time with Isles

New York Islanders forward Leo Komarov is on the move to Russia to join SKA St Petersburg. Here’s a look at the top five highlights from Leo’s time with the Isles.

Leo Komarov has always been a contentious figure for the New York Islanders. It started the second he was signed to that four-year $12 million contract. That was (and still is) a lot of money to give to a bottom-six player like Leo Komarov.

He was never particularly productive, scoring 48 points 164 games (a 0.29 points-per-game pace). Production that certainly wasn’t worth the $3 million he cost the team per year on the salary cap.

But Leo was more than just production. Leo brought a lot of intangibles to the table. Something that doesn’t necessarily help justify a quite tangible cap hit.

With the acquisition of Zach Parise on a league-minimum deal this offseason, Komarov no longer had a spot on the roster. And keeping a $3 million cap hit on the book on the off chance he might play didn’t work for the cap-strapped Islanders. Sending him to the AHL, where $1.125 million of his cap hit could be buried made more sense for the club.

But that didn’t work for Uncle Leo.

It is now official that his contract is being placed on unconditional waivers to terminate the contract in order for him to sign with SKA St Petersburg of the Russian KHL. A league Leo hasn’t played in since a 52 game stint in 2013-14.

Over his KHL career, Leo has played in 210 games and scored 110 points (44 goals and 66 helpers).

We all wish Leo well with his new club and want to thank him for his time with the Islanders. It was one hell of a ride. Let’s look back at the five highlights that define his four(ish) years on the Island.