NYHN Daily: Islanders Lock Up Pelech Long Term & More

The New York Islanders made their first official signing of the offseason as they lock top defenseman adam Pelech up long term. This story and more in today’s daily links!

The New York Islanders locked up their star defenseman Adam Pelech to an eight-year contract five days before the two were scheduled to go to arbitration. The new deal carries an annual average value of $5.75 million, according to Elliotte Friedman, which is a lower AAV than many would have expected the contract to come in at. It is likely the trade-off for the extended length of the contract. (NYI Hockey Now)

Adam Pelech is here to stay and in his interview following his new deal, he made it clear that he wanted to remain with the Islanders. “This is where I want to be” said the 26-year old defenseman. He never believed he would make it to arbitration hearing, which was scheduled for next week. (Newsday)

Adam Pelech wasn’t going anywhere, but now he’s sure to be an Islander for a long time. He’s also sure that others want that too. With Pelech trading some money per year for the security of the maximum-length deal allowed by the league, perhaps the Islanders can keep more of their core around for longer. Pelech’s was the first new contract of the Islander offseason announced even though unrestricted free agents Kyle Palmieri, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Casey Cizikas are believed to be signed, along with Michael Dal Colle and Anatolii Golyshev. (The Athletic)

Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney told the media Friday that the door is still open for David Krejci to return and play for the Boston Bruins again. “I think we addressed some areas that we wanted to,” Sweeney said. “Ultimately, with David making the decision. …We’re wondering whether or not he may return at some point in time, but that’s open-ended.” (Boston Hockey Now)

When given a chance to confirm the Pittsburgh Penguins blue line, general manager Ron Hextall deferred. Right-side defenseman Cody Ceci signed a four-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers at the outset of NHL free agency, and the Penguins salary cap crunch has otherwise limited their ability to go shopping on the NHL trade front. Hextall will have to get creative. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Philadelphia Flyers surprisingly filed for team-selected arbitration with defenseman Travis Sanheim on Monday. It’s rare for a team to file for arbitration rather than the player doing so, but that’s the case here with Sanheim. A team-selected arbitration case with Sanheim would allow the defenseman to choose a one- or two-year deal at the arbiter’s salary. However, the two sides can still negotiate and come to terms before then. (Philly Hockey Now)

There are 68 days to go until the season opener, and though it’s been a bit of a quiet summer for the Washington Capitals, there are still questions to address. One of course is the situation down the middle. With Evgeny Kuznetsov’s future still uncertain and the trade and free agency markets still open, Washington’s depth at center presents a bit of uncertainty. But is it a concern? (Washington Hockey Now)

Like Drake, Sam Gagner started out at the bottom. Unlike Drake, he’s back there. And he couldn’t be happier. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” Gagner said of playing for the Detroit Red Wings. “It’s an original six team, a lot of history. When I was growing up and when I was starting in the league, they were the team. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Oskar Olausson, the first-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche this year, has signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the club. Olausson is expected to play again in Sweden this coming season. Here’s more, from the Avs’ release: (Colorado Hockey Now)

Nick Bonino might bring a perhaps surprising element to the San Jose Sharks next year. Everybody knows about Bonino’s defensive ability: Since 2013, he’s fifth in the NHL in total short-handed minutes, trailing only Luke Glendening, Travis Zajac, Sean Couturier, and Anze Kopitar. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Alex Edler is the greatest Vancouver Canucks defenceman of all time. I’m of course telling you something you likely already know, but it’s fascinating to consider the entire scope of Edler’s 15-year career, spent in it’s entirety with the Canucks. The radio station Sportsnet-650 had a conversation with the now LA King on Friday and he was his usual calm and understated self. (Spoiler alert: He’s Swedish.) I would have used an exclamation point there, but again … he’s Swedish. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

Darnell Nurse signed an eight-year, $74 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers on Friday that begins next season. It has an average annual value of $9.25 million. “Obviously it’s an awesome day for my family, for myself,” Nurse said. “Obviously any time you have a team and a management group that believes in you the way that our team in Edmonton does, it always feels good. (NHL)

Patrice Bergeron has discussed a contract extension with the Boston Bruins and however long the center wants to stay with the team is up to him, general manager Don Sweeney said Friday. (NHL)