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Islanders sign Simon Holmstrom and Jesse Pulkkinen |
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The New York Islanders announced today that they’ve signed Simon Holmstrom to a one-year contract extension, which carries a $850,000 cap hit.
Holmstrom took a step with the Islanders this season, scoring 15 goals and 25 points in 75 games. He notably scored five of his goals shorthanded as well, and did a good job forcing turnovers at the opposing blue line to create rush chances for himself the other way.
At 23 years old though, this will be a big year for Holmstrom. Though he was able to boost his production last season, it remains to be seen as to what kind of long-term role he could have with the team. A former first-round pick in 2019, the hope would be that Holmstrom can make more of an offensive impact at 5-on-5, and can continue to grow his role within the top-nine.
The contract comes in almost right as expected, with my projection for him at HockeyComparables.com on a one-year deal being his qualifying offer. The discrepancy comes from Holmstrom taking a one-way contract at $850,000, rather signing a two-way deal with his qualifying offer at $874,124.
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The Islanders also announced yesterday that they’ve signed defenseman Jesse Pulkkinen to an entry-level contract.
Pulkkinen was the Islanders’ second selection in this year’s NHL Draft, taken 54th overall. This past season, the 6-foot-6 defender scored eight points in 29 games, while playing in Finland’s top professional league.
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