Islanders Sign Defenseman Jack Hillen

[Thrillhouse]

The New York Islanders today announced that they have signed defenseman, Jack Hillen to a two-year contract.

Hillen was originally signed by the Islanders on April 1, 2008, at the completion of his senior year at Colorado College. He played in two games at the end of the Islanders’ 2007-08 season and recorded an assist, his first National Hockey League point. Last season, Hillen played in 40 games for the Islanders, registering a goal and five assists for six points. The tally was his first in the NHL and it came on March 5 against Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers.

"We are happy to have Jack signed,” said Garth Snow, General Manager, New York Islanders. “He proved to be a reliable defenseman and should continue to be a productive player for our team.”

The Minnetonka, MN native had an illustrious career at Colorado College, winning the Defenseman of the Year Award and being named First Team All WCHA. In 151 games played for the Colorado College Tigers, Hillen totaled 19 goals and 57 assists for 76 points.

[Isles4life]

So Hillen, who really didn't do much of anything to earn a 1-way contract gets signed, and Comeau is still looking for a deal. I think Hillen's alright and hope he can develop into a good NHL defenseman who can contribute especially on the power play, but I'm not sold on him yet. They traded a pretty good young defenseman with nice offensive skills in Campoli last season, and I think the organization is desperate to replace him with someone. I'm just not convinced yet that Hillen is that guy.

[IhateLindros]

Hillen getting a one way deal means someone is getting traded.

[GODARDNYI]

im very confused by this signing for two reasons that have already been mentioned..

1.. what has hillen done to deserve a 1 way contract. his d is shaky, i don't have confidence in him in the d-zone, or gettin back on d after he rushes. he needs to toughen up more, and i think he would greatly benefit from another 1/2 year to full year in b-port. comeau has shown he can develop into an nhl player. his physical game grew so much over the last year and i'd love to have him on the bottom 2 lines.

2. why sign another d-man on a 1 way contract?

[nyislesfan45]

Youth Movement .

I wonder who is leaving.