Islanders sign Dennis Seidenberg to one year deal

Dennis Seidenberg has signed a one-year extension with the New York Islanders. 

The 2017-18 NHL season is a very important one for the New York Islanders. It might be their last chance to win a Stanley Cup with John Tavares on the team. Their captain is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following next season. The Islanders are loading up, as they’ve signed defenseman Dennis Seidenberg to a one year extension. Financial terms have yet to be released.

"Seidenberg, 35, scored 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) in 73 games with the Islanders last season, while leading the club in plus-minus rating with a plus-25 mark. It was the Schwenningen, Germany, native’s 14th National Hockey League season and first with the Islanders."

Though many though him to be a depth signing last offseason, he emerged as one of the Islanders most consistent defensemen. Seidenberg’s health issues likely led to his lack of production and efficiency during his last seasons with the Boston Bruins. However, when healthy, he was solid sand steady for the Islanders. Seidenberg ended this season with a respectable -0.6 percent even strength CorsiFor percentage and a 0.7 percent even strength FenwickFor percentage.

He averaged 19:26 of ice time. Although it’s his lowest average since the 2007-08 season, Seidenberg’s age is a huge factor. The Islanders kept him fresh and managed his ice time well. Seidenberg proved to himself and to his team he is still an NHL caliber defenseman.

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The Islanders should be making some more moves this offseason. None of them are bigger than the potential extension for Tavares. Getting it done is key, as it affects their future. The Islanders can’t afford to let their captain walk for nothing, so if they can’t extend him, don’t be surprised to see a trade. Seidenberg isn’t a huge addition, but he certainly makes them better.