Just moments before the 3:00 p.m. EST roster freeze on July 17, the Islanders and Andy Greene agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Greene will receive a base salary of $750k and can earn another $250k in bonuses.

The thirty-eight-year-old played a huge part in the team’s success last season. Greene played in all but one regular-season game and in all nineteen postseason games. Greene had one goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 55 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he recorded one assist for one point.

After Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello traded Nick Leddy to the Detriot Red Wings, the Islanders had to fulfill the league requirement of leaving one defenseman who played in at least twenty-seven games last season unprotected for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. Greene meets that requirement, and it is highly unlikely that the Kraken will select him.

Re-signing Greene allows Lamoriello to legally protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender. Thus, the Islanders are set to let go of a forward; Jordan Eberle, Josh Bailey and Kieffer Bellows are among the most likely candidates to begin next season in Seattle.

Last season, the Islanders brought back Greene on another one-year deal. Greene knew what his role would be as a veteran defenseman. One of his roles was to mentor the younger players, particularly his partner on defense, Noah Dobson. Greene will continue that this upcoming season, using his veteran knowledge in the locker room.

Straight after the 2021 season, during the exit interviews, Greene stated that he would like to continue playing, especially for the Islanders. Today it was made official, as Greene put pen to paper.

Jacob

Writer for Drive4Five covering the New York Islanders.