New York Islanders Sign Mark Eaton Milan Jurcina P.A. Parenteau and Zenon Konopka
After a disappointing finish at the bottom of the National Hockey League’s Atlantic Division, the New York Islanders are attempting a turn-around through free agency transfers. On Friday, the Isles added Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina to their blue-line, as well as forwards P.A. Parenteau and Zenon Konopka.
Eaton is a strong “stay-at-home” defence-man who has proven himself over the course of four seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season was a career year for Eaton, and he hopes to continue that with the Islanders. In 2009-10, Eaton had a total of 16 points on three goals and 13 assists.
The addition of Eaton also gives the Islanders some Stanley Cup experience. Eaton was part of the Penguins 2009 Finals winning team and played 24 games during those play-offs. In those games, Eaton had a solid four goals and three assists.
In total, Eaton spent four years in Pittsburgh, where he netted seven goals and had 18 assists for 25 points in 218 games. He was initially drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers and has also spent five years within the Nashville Predators organization.
Unlike Eaton, Jurcina is coming off a disappointing injury-shortened season. Last season, Jurcina spent the final two months on the injured list after undergoing sports hernia surgery. Though injured, he remained a big signing possibility for many teams and the Washington Capitals sent his rights to the Columbus Blue Jackets only to reacquire them later.
By adding Jurcina to their roster, the Islanders have addressed their severe size issue. The 6-foot-4 Slovak national will bolster the smallest defence in the NHL. Jurcina needs to stay healthy and play far more than the 30 games he appeared in for Washington last year. When healthy, Jurcina has had six goals and 30 assists in 211 showings for Washington.
"With the addition of both Mark and Milan, we add both size and experience to our defence," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. "Each played in winning environments the past few years and we look forward to them bringing that same element to our dressing room."
Parenteau is a potential signing that could work out well for the Islanders. Although he has struggled to score consistently in the NHL, the 27-year-old has shown a scoring ability in the American Hockey League. He netted 34 goals in 2007-08 and 29 in '08-09.
The addition of Konopka also provides the Isles with an increase in grit and physicality. Last season, while a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 29 year-old Konopka led the entire League in penalty minutes, with 265. He also had five points in those 74 games, though that most likely had little impact on why the Islanders signed him.
The enforcer has played in a total of 113 NHL games and has 6 goals, 13 points, and 377 penalty minutes to his credit.
These signings aren’t going to push the Islanders into contention within the talent-laden Atlantic Division, but they are a step forward. The depleted franchise was in such a poor state that many predicted they wouldn’t be able to sign desired free agents regardless of money. This seems to be accurate, but adding four solid players like Eaton, Jurcina, Parenteau, and Konopka is an improvement and a statement.
Little by little, the Islanders can sign ‘smaller’ players in order to finally reel in the ‘bigger’ ones. It might not be as immediately gratifying as the Islanders 1980 Stanley Cup dynasty, but it is a step back to form for a storied franchise that has struggled to determine a truly unique identity due to the success local rivals New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.
Tags: