Arguably the most beloved member of the New York Islanders in recent history, Casey Cizikas, has re-signed with the team on a six-year, $2.5 million per year deal. Cizikas has been a huge part of the Islanders since he made his debut in the 2011-12 season. He and his linemates, Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck, are considered the best fourth line in the NHL. It is highly unlikely that any other fanbase loves a fourth-liner as much as the Islanders fans love Cizikas.

Fortunately, Cizikas feels the same way about the Islanders. The Seattle Kraken reportedly offered Cizikas up to $5 million per year and he was also pursued by a handful of other teams. He turned down lucrative offers to stay on the team that drafted him and shaped his career. 

“Long Island is my home and will always be my home,” Cizikas said. “There was nowhere else I wanted to be. I want to retire an Islander. That’s my goal and something I’ll be real proud of when that day comes.”

Cizikas has been a part of the high points and low points on the modern-day era for the Islanders. He has been to two consecutive NHL semifinals but has also been a part of a team that was among the bottom of the league for many years. He and his long-time teammates have formed a bond which is extremely important for the success of the organization.

“A lot of us have played together for a long time,” Cizikas said. “We’ve had some low points as a group and we started rebuilding and believing in one another.”

It was very important for Lou Lamiorello, the Islanders, and the fans to re-sign Cizikas this offseason. He plays his heart out every game and gives the team nothing but his best work. That will continue for the next six years.

“I’m going to die an Islander,” Cizikas said. “That’s the way to put it.”

John Smark