Weighting for the right time

NHLHS New York Islanders Correspondent Anthony Curatolo adds to today’s news of the New York Islanders and the re-signing of team Captain Doug Weight.


For something that was speculated since last seasons ended, early on throughout the off-season and into today, the New York Islanders and Doug Weight have finally made their final year of hockey marriage official.

From the New York Islanders official website:

UNIONDALE, NY (August 31, 2010) – The New York Islanders have agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension with team captain Doug Weight.

A veteran of 19 NHL seasons and 1,220 career games, Weight returns for his third year with the Islanders. In 36 games last season, the Detroit, Michigan native scored seventeen points (1 goal and 16 assists).

“Doug has played an important role in helping to develop our young players over the past two seasons and we’re excited to see him continue his historic career on Long Island,” Islanders General Manager Garth Snow said.

UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 26: Doug Weight #93 of the New York Islanders skates against the Washington Capitals on January 26, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

What makes this signing interesting today, as Greg Wyshynski also known as the Puck Daddy from yahoo sports points out, is that Weight had told ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun 78 days ago that he would return to the team for one more year.

Has it really been that long? Is it October yet?

Regardless, the worry about the cap floor situation is finally over, and the team will now prepare to move forward to the season with the roster almost completely in tact.

If you noticed, even the Islanders official release states that the organization has signed the “team captain”. So that should eliminate the questions of who will be the voice of the organization both on and off the ice for this upcoming 2010-11 NHL season.

Though he may have lost a step, and does not have the hands or the role of a 20 goal scorer, what Weight brings on and off the ice is invaluable – especially to a team made up of mostly kids.

The experience, knowledge and overall attitude that Weight will supply is completely priceless.  The team respect all he does for them – especially as their captain.

So one more year with the man who dons the ‘C’ on his chest. I wonder, Isles fans, who he hands it down to when the season comes to a close.  Who would you like to see as the next ‘C’ for your New York Islanders?

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS New York Islanders Correspondent
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC