Free Agency
Islanders Among Short List of Teams Gabriel Landeskog Would Sign with as a UFA
Another star player has the New York Islanders on his shortlist of destinations he would go to. The Islanders are one of five teams that Gabriel Landeskog would have interest in signing with if he cannot complete a new deal with the Colorado Avalanche, according to Andy Strickland.
Landeskog is set to become an unrestricted free agent in just 12 days after finishing out the final year of a 7-year, $39 million contract extension he signed in 2013. Colorado and Landeskog have reached an impasse in negotiations and Colorado Hockey Now reported on Thursday that the two sides were “far apart.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Florida Panthers are also among teams that are reportedly on Landeskog’s wish list. Strickland reported that Landeskog could ask for a new deal on the open market that pays $9-$10 million per year.
Like any trade or offseason signing for the Islanders, it would take some serious financial gymnastics to make it work. The Islanders have RFAs Adam Pelech, Anthony Beauvillier and Ilya Sorokin to re-sign, as well as Casey Cizikas, who is set to hit the free-agent market without a new deal.
Gabriel Landeskog would be another potential upgrade for the Islanders should anything come to fruition. The winger could easily play a top-six role for the Islanders, especially with reports that Jordan Eberle is actively being shopped to make cap space.
Still, a deal that would bring in Landeskog — if he hits the UFA market — and would keep the Islanders under the cap would mean several changes to the lineup. It would also prevent them from trading for Vladimir Tarasenko, who the Islanders have reportedly shown interest in as well.
Gabriel Landeskog was selected second overall in the 2011 NHL Draft by Colorado and he has played the entirety of his career in the Mile High City.