An era is over for the New York Islanders, as goaltender Thomas Greiss has agreed to a two-year contract worth $7.2 million ($3.6 AAV) with the Detroit Red Wings. Greiss is filling the hole left by the departure of long-time Red Wing Jimmy Howard, and he will be sharing the crease with 32-year old Jonathan Bernier, who performed well in 46 games for the Red Wings last season.

Thomas Greiss donned the orange and blue for five seasons, appearing in 193 games, winning 101 of them. Greiss ranks fifth in both of these categories all-time for the Islanders, while also leading the team in save percentage with a solid .915% (min. 50 games), per Arthur Staple of the Athletic. Greiss also leads the NHL in all-time shootout save percentage with a .771%, which went unnoticed by many until his agent, Ray Petkau, tweeted it out before the start of free agency.

Greiss had plenty of memorable moments and highlights during his tenure as an Islander, ranging from magical poke checks to highlight-reel saves. In Greiss’ first season with the Islanders, he took over the starting job towards the end of the season, after Jaroslav Halak was injured. Greiss was absolutely stellar, even earning the nickname “Jesus Greiss” from the Islanders fanbase. Greiss pushes the Islanders to places they haven’t seen in over twenty years, playing a massive part in beating the Florida Panthers in the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Some of Greiss’ most memorable moments on the island include his game seven victory this season in the second round against the Philadelphia Flyers, his legendary poke check on a Sidney Crosby breakaway in overtime during the 2018-19 season, and of course, his penalty shot save against Aleksander Barkov in overtime of a pivotal game five during the 2015 playoffs.

Thomas Greiss was a professional both on and off the ice, never complained about any situation he was put into and was truly amazing to the organization and fans. He will be dearly missed by everyone within the Islanders organization and will always be remembered and beloved on the island for the wonderful five years he had with the team. He must feel the same, as he thanked the organization and its fans on Instagram earlier today.

Best wishes to Thomas Greiss, and best of luck in your next chapter with the Detroit Red Wings!

John Smark