Islanders Sign Bill Guerin to Two-Year Deal

[jtshade1977]

The Islanders have signed four-time NHL all-star and three-time United States Olympian Bill Guerin to a two-year contract. The 36-year old Guerin is coming off a 36-goal season with St. Louis and San Jose and has 364 goals and 355 assists for 719 points in 1,026 career NHL games.

"My family and I are so happy to be coming to Long Island," said Guerin. "Garth Snow first contacted me on Sunday and was so positive, so persistent right from the outset explaining to me why I would be ideal for his team. Ownership's commitment to winning at almost every cost and Garth making it clear to how determined he is to build a winner is why I'm an Islander today."

Said Snow: "Bill Guerin, by everyone's account, is the consummate professional, the ultimate teammate. And beyond that, he's an outstanding hockey player coming off a 36-goal season. The Islanders are extremely proud that Bill has made the decision to come to Long Island."

Guerin has played on the United States Olympic Team in 1998, 2002 and 2006 and in the NHL All-Star Game in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2007.

[blackngold]

good signing, he's a really good gritty forward, he scores, hits, and isnt afraid to fight

i was hoping he would return to boston, but im glad we didn't for that kind of money, just too much for him at this stage of his career

[jkidd]

Good pick up for the Isles. Its sad when you say that $4.5 million isnt bad for a guy who can put up 60 points...

[canuckfan]

Funny, I was just about to post a rumour on how the Canucks were looking at him too.

I have a feeling the Islanders need him more, though

[Plateworker]

Good pick up for the Isles. He adds some Grit and scoring.

[Colt Seavers]

The Islanders offense just received a boost! Good for them.

[BGDDYKWL]

There were several quality teams interested in him, but apparently he decided to follow the $$$$$. And no offense to our many Islander fans, but the Island wouldn't exactly be my first choice if winning was my priority. Obviously no other teams were willing to offer him that kind of cash. I would've thought a team would've been able to get him a little cheaper than this, but NY was desperate to do something, and with the way salaries have gone lately this isn't that ridiculous.

[nyisles15]

I like how they gave him a decent middle of the road deal. Ok now we are getting somewhere.

[Isles4life]

The contract probably came with a guaranteed letter on his sweater. I like the signing. Hopefully he doesn't pick now to completely fall off his offensive production.

[NYR36]

They REALLY needed this. I mean REALLY needed this. They better not be done.

[nyisles15]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

The contract probably came with a guaranteed letter on his sweater. I like the signing. Hopefully he doesn't pick now to completely fall off his offensive production.

Him and Comrie have been talking and Comrie's agent said he would take a one year deal to follow Guerin. He should be signed by Friday hopefully.

[Isles4life]

Originally Posted by nyisles15

Him and Comrie have been talking and Comrie's agent said he would take a one year deal to follow Guerin. He should be signed by Friday hopefully.

Hmm...that would be an interesting duo. If Comrie is given the opportunity to step up he could deliver pretty well. Maybe we won't be last overall this year...

[VodkaFish]

They needed this not just for goal production, but for leadership and to attract remaining free agents. When you look at the contracts that have been signed so far (Kariya!), Guerin's doesn't seem bad at all considering he put up 36 goals (and spent most of last season on the Blues).

The Islanders still have plenty of cap room, if they sign another productive forward, they'll probably be just as competitive as they were last season under Nolan.

[GODARDNYI]

i've heard comrie likes the agitator aspect of the game.. i haven't seen enough of him to really get an image in my head of what he'd be like. will be drop the gloves or is he just a guy that'll throw the body around.?

[CairnsisGod]

Originally Posted by GODARDNYI

i've heard comrie likes the agitator aspect of the game.. i haven't seen enough of him to really get an image in my head of what he'd be like. will be drop the gloves or is he just a guy that'll throw the body around.?

Maybe he can give this team the spark that Avery gives the Rangers. Comrie could thrive on a team with Sillinger, Guerin, Witt and company.