Islanders Sign Sutton to Three-Year Deal

[skacore]

The New York Islanders have signed 6-foot-6 defenseman Andy Sutton to a three-year contract. Sutton, who will enter his ninth NHL season in 2007-08, scored two goals and added 14 assists for Atlanta last season and is known for his shot-blocking and physical play. Despite playing in just 55 games last season, Sutton ranked 19th in the NHL in blocked shots with 162. In 2005-06, Sutton ranked fourth in the NHL with 195 blocked shots.

“Andy adds a little bit of everything both on offense and defense and we really like what he brings to the table,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. “We talk about heart, grit and character and Andy Sutton has a ton of it all. He’s a big guy who plays big and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. He fills a big void for us and our fans are going to love to watch him in an Islanders uniform because he’s a competitor and hard worker.”

The 32-year old Sutton has played in 432 NHL career games with Atlanta, Minnesota and San Jose and has scored 27 goals with 78 assists for 105 points. A native of Kingston, Ontario, Sutton was originally signed by the Sharks as a free agent after playing for Michigan Tech for four seasons from 1994-95 to 1997-98. In his senior season, Sutton was named to the WCHA’s Second All-Star Team after scoring 16 goals with 24 assists for 40 points in 38 games.

“We’re very pleased to bring Andy Sutton to Long Island on a long-term deal,” said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. “He fits the personality of the team Ted and I are putting together.”

[nyisles15]

Your link was an excerpt taken from here http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/ho...slanders/blog/
If this is true I have to say I am not happy. I don;t know how well this guy can play defense but I do know that he is a cheap sob and enraged me two years ago in a game where he leveled Islanders left and right. What enraged me more is that no one went after him. I think this guy is a scumbag so until he helps the team I won't change my opinion of him.

[EricGodardfan]

8-year NHL veteran defenseman signed to 3-year deal

The New York Islanders have signed 6-foot-6 defenseman Andy Sutton to a three-year contract. Sutton, who will enter his ninth NHL season in 2007-08, scored two goals and added 14 assists for Atlanta last season and is known for his shot-blocking and physical play. Despite playing in just 55 games last season, Sutton ranked 19th in the NHL in blocked shots with 162. In 2005-06, Sutton ranked fourth in the NHL with 195 blocked shots.

“Andy adds a little bit of everything both on offense and defense and we really like what he brings to the table,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. “We talk about heart, grit and character and Andy Sutton has a ton of it all. He’s a big guy who plays big and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. He fills a big void for us and our fans are going to love to watch him in an Islanders uniform because he’s a competitor and hard worker.”

The 32-year old Sutton has played in 432 NHL career games with Atlanta, Minnesota and San Jose and has scored 27 goals with 78 assists for 105 points. A native of Kingston, Ontario, Sutton was originally signed by the Sharks as a free agent after playing for Michigan Tech for four seasons from 1994-95 to 1997-98. In his senior season, Sutton was named to the WCHA’s Second All-Star Team after scoring 16 goals with 24 assists for 40 points in 38 games.

“We’re very pleased to bring Andy Sutton to Long Island on a long-term deal,” said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. “He fits the personality of the team Ted and I are putting together.”

Good signing IMO.

[Isles4life]

I've got mixed feelings on the deal. I'm glad we got a guy who can eat minutes because our blueline was scarily thin in the top 4. It's still not great, but Sutton is an upgrade to what was already in place. 3 years is longer than I would have given the guy though.

The guy can be a cheap player. He throws a lot of hits, but they're not always clean. I don't hate him as much as some others, but I'm not a huge fan. If he plays well in his own zone, though, I'll be willing to forgive.

[5 Minute Major]

Well the Islanders better have a REAL ENFORCER dress come this season with this cheap SOB Sutton in the line-up.
I really dont like this guy Sutton he is one cheap SOB and never backs up anything and leaves teammates to do the fighting for his actions.
The Isles are going to need all the toughness they can get with Sutton in the lineup with his cheap shots.
Simon better be ready! At least the Isles have other options at Bridgeport with Kip Brennen,Matt Spiller,
Tim Jackman,Daryl Bootland, Drew Fata and I think Brandon Cullen is still with bridgeport. I think 1 or 2 of these guys might have a shot at making the Isles teram this year, at least Bridgeport will be tougher this year.

[Merlin401]

Originally Posted by 5 Minute Major

Well the Islanders better have a REAL ENFORCER dress come this season with this cheap SOB Sutton in the line-up.
I really dont like this guy Sutton he is one cheap SOB and never backs up anything and leaves teammates to do the fighting for his actions.
The Isles are going to need all the toughness they can get with Sutton in the lineup with his cheap shots.
Simon better be ready! At least the Isles have other options at Bridgeport with Kip Brennen,Matt Spiller,

Agreed on all points here. I like that Sutton stirs the pot but he should be more accountable for his actions for sure.

Unlike last year when the Isles pretty much were never very physical, there will be some messes to clean up when you have Sutton and Witt as two of your top d-men.

Isles-Rangers has hope though: a lot of people to cause trouble. You have the whole Hollweg-Simon-Orr thing to resolve. Sutton is a cheap bastard. Avery is what he is. Witt is always pissing people off. Sim, Shanny, Callahan and others are excitable.

[PotvinSucks]

COngrats Garth, you signed one of the biggest POS's in the NHL. I cant wait to watch him get knocked the fukc out!! J/k

[kwnger1371]

I would be happy if he was on my team. I don't know how well he plays defense but he fights some times and hits. Granted he cheap shots some time.

[jkidd]

Hopefully Kip Brennan gets called up - because the Isles are going to need him. Someone needs to be able to stand up for the cheap shots he'll throw, as we all know he wont stand up for them.

Should make things fun to watch on the Island. Afterall, he sparked a brawl last year.

[Juha82]

Great signing.
Sutton is a big hitter and reliable defenseman.
He can also to make points.

[BGDDYKWL]

An important issue here which was touched upon earlier is that Sutton could very well make Simon fight considerably more, which is obviously something we would all like to see.

Word is the deal's worth $9M which is about what would've been expected.

[nyislesfan45]

Originally Posted by BGDDYKWL

An important issue here which was touched upon earlier is that Sutton could very well make Simon fight considerably more, which is obviously something we would all like to see.

Word is the deal's worth $9M which is about what would've been expected.

That was the first thing I thought when I saw this. Overall, I think its a good signing, not a bad d-man and can make a game interesting quickly.

[Podollan]

Hopefully Sutton will stand up for his action this season... he really can... if he wants.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vom595N2WjA&eurl=

[Isles4life]

Originally Posted by BGDDYKWL

An important issue here which was touched upon earlier is that Sutton could very well make Simon fight considerably more, which is obviously something we would all like to see.

Word is the deal's worth $9M which is about what would've been expected.

Could put Simon in more situations in which he should fight. Doesn't mean he won't back out of a lot of them.

[airbreather765]

sutton is a decent defensmen imo. he does take a lot of cheap shots so there should be a couple brawls in long island this year