Brendan Burke signs new MSG Networks contract to remain on NY Islanders telecasts

If Lou Lamoriello has taught us anything during his time as New York Islanders GM, it's that when you believe in your own personnel, you make it a priority to retain them.

MSG Networks, the Isles' cable home, made sure they did the same, agreeing to terms with play-by-play announcer Brendan Burke on a new contract, according to his agent, Steve Herz, in Newsday.

Burke, 40, has spent the last eight seasons in the Islanders TV booth alongside color analyst Butch Goring and has ascended to one of the top hockey announcers in the game. In addition to the team's broadcasts, Burke has been a national TV voice for the NHL on TNT, calling first and second round playoff series in recent seasons.

Taking over for Howie Rose after the 2015-16 season, Burke quickly emerged as a fan favorite, not only for his play-by-play abilities but also for immersing himself in the team's history and working to understand the psyche of Islanders fans. Despite not growing up a fan of the team, he always seems to find the right words at the right moment to capture the emotions of the fanbase. That skill was notably on display when the team returned to the Nassau Coliseum and then again when they opened up UBS Arena.

As a broadcasting free agent, there was some apprehension that Burke could land a different NHL gig this summer or that he would be enticed to become John Sterling's full-time replacement as New York Yankees radio play-by-play announcer. Burke has filled in and called Yankees games alongside Suzyn Waldman each of the last two summers, which was a dream come true for a young man who grew up tape-recording himself in the upper deck at Yankee Stadium.

Specific terms or length of the new MSG Networks contract were not released, but fans are relieved that Burke will be back for a ninth season on Long Island and likely beyond.