Islanders Resign de Haan/Cizikas

The Islanders had a busy day today.  After resigning Matt Donovan and Brett Gallant this morning, as well as releasing Kirill Kabanov, it was announced a little while ago that they had resigned Calvin de Haan and Casey Cizikas two of the teams three remaining restricted free agents.

#Isles have signed Casey Cizikas to 2-year, $2-million contract and Calvin de Haan to 3-year, $5.9 million contract.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) July 15, 2014

The Islanders signed de Haan to a 3 year contract worth 5.9 million dollars.  In what was otherwise a down season for the Islanders last year, de Haan was a revelation.  De Haan split last season between the Islanders and their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport but played a majority of the season with the big club.  In 51 games for the Islanders last season de Haan managed 16 points and also formed one of the Islanders top defensive pairs alongside Travis Hamonic.  Meanwhile in 17 games for Bridgeport de Haan had 3 points.  This was the first time in his professional career that de Haan was able to play more then 56 games in a season.  The Islanders are looking to de Haan to continue to mature this year and establish himself as a top 4 defenseman for this team.  If de Haan is able to stay healthy and continue to evolve as a player, this contract could end up being a steal for the Islanders.

The Islanders also announced the signing of Casey Cizikas to a 2 year deal worth 2 million dollars.  After having a very good rookie season in the lockout shortened year of 2012/2013, Cizikas by his own admission struggled last season.  Even with his struggles Cizikas is till a good player for his role as 4th line center and penalty killer.  In 80 games for the Islanders last season Cizikas managed 16 points after having 15 points in 45 games during the lockout shortened 2012/2013 season.