NY Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer explains what he likes most about big addition

At 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds, it's pretty obvious what Logan Stanley brings to the New York Islanders. But Pete DeBoer believes there's more to his newest defenseman than simply being the biggest guy on the ice. Stanley signed a one-year contract with the Islanders on Sunday, giving DeBoer another experienced option for a blue line that already includes plenty of size.

The 28-year-old has played 278 NHL games and is coming off his best offensive season, setting career highs with nine goals, 17 assists and 26 points in 76 games between Winnipeg and Buffalo. "He checks a lot of boxes," DeBoer said. "Big, experienced, but still young."

The physical part certainly matters. Stanley recorded 110 hits last season and has dropped the gloves 24 times during his NHL career. DeBoer believes that element has become increasingly important in the Eastern Conference. "When you look at the physicality in the league, a lot of it came to the East in the off-season, and you have to be able to have some of that in your lineup," DeBoer said. "The ability to add a guy like that, that can also play, is huge."

It's that last part DeBoer seems determined not to overlook. Stanley's size has occasionally led to questions about his mobility, but after getting him on the ice, DeBoer pushed back against that reputation. "He's a very underrated skater," DeBoer said. "I don't buy the knock that he's not a good skater. You see him out there in the drills today. For his size, he's light on his feet."

The Islanders didn't need another defenseman simply because he was 6-foot-7. They needed someone DeBoer believes can handle NHL minutes while bringing an element his roster could use more of. Stanley's size gets your attention first. His new coach believes the rest of his game might surprise people.

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