Rumored NY Islanders defensive target to remain in Switzerland

Shortly before the NY Islanders season ended, there was a rumor that Lou Lamoriello was trying to sign little-known Swiss defenseman, Andrea Glauser of the National League in Switzerland.

“All the signals are positive,” a source told LeMatin.ch, translated from French "There's still a way to go, but I wouldn't be surprised if the New York Islanders offered Glauser a one-year, $1.5 million contract."

Today, it was announced that Glauser had signed a 7-year deal to remain in his Switzerland.

"I am very happy to join Fribourg in a year," said Glausner as translated from the Fribourg-Gotteron team website. "It is the club's sporting project that convinced me. Like me, Gottéron is ambitious and wants to reach the top. In the meantime, I will continue to give my all for my current club."  

Glauser 28, plays his professional hockey for Lausanne HC - his extension, however, is with Fribourg-Gotteron, who he'll join for the 2025-26 season.

It's unknown whether talks occurred between Glauser and the Islanders or if it was just smoke, but with his new 7-year contract, talks of him heading to Long Island can be put to rest.

Th Islanders did their European homework

With the Islanders pressed against the salary cap ceiling, there was a belief the organization would turn to cheap options out of Europe, including Glauser, utilizing their European free agent whisperer, Jim Paliafito.

Despite not getting Glauser, who didn't seem to be on any other team's radar, the Islanders did land top European free agent Maxim Tsyplakov. Paliafito and Lamoriello convinced the 25-year-old that Long Island was the best landing spot, despite interest from over a dozen teams.

In addition to Tsyplakov, the organization signed goaltender Marcus Hogberg to a two-year contract, giving the Islanders additional depth at goaltender. He'll start the season with the Bridgeport Islanders, but will likely be first in line if a call-up is needed.