Although the deal seemed like it was close to fruition more than two months ago, New York Newsday reporter Katie Strang passes along the news that Doug Weight and the Islanders finally made it official. GM Garth Snow signed Weight to a one-year, $850K contract that could be worth more if he reaches certain bonus guidelines.
Here is a little more about “the returning captain” from the Islanders team Web site.
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.
Weight, a four-time NHL All-Star, was named the 12th Captain in Islanders history on October 2, 2009. Originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the second round (34th overall) of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Weight has totaled 276 goals and 748 assists for 1,024 points in 1,220 NHL games with the Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks and the Islanders. In 2006, Weight helped the Hurricanes capture their first Stanley Cup Championship in team history and the only of Weight’s career. Weight reached the 1,000 point milestone with the Islanders on January 2, 2009, becoming the eighth American-born player and 73rd NHL player to reach 1,000 points.
Weight won’t change any of that, but considering how young and raw this team is in many areas, it’s great to have his steady veteran presence in the locker room. He might function as a near player-coach at this point in his career, but he can be effective in that mentor role. Consider this another solid - if subtle - move by Snow.