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Per Darren Dreger, Arthur Staple and few others this afternoon, the Islanders have agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, who was recently bought out by the Boston Bruins.
7 teams were in on Seidenberg, including Ottawa. All wanted to wait, but Isles step up. 1 yr, $1 million. Good deal.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 28, 2016
The 35-year old is currently playing for Team Europe in the World Cup of Hockey Finals. So add him to the list of current and former Islanders property making up that team’s roster.
It’s not a surprise that the Islanders have decided to add a veteran defenseman, not because they necessarily need one but because it’s kinda what they do. Last year it was Marek Zidlicky, who in fairness wasn’t a disaster. At least Seidenberg isn’t a former New Jersey Devil, the Islanders’ usual one-stop-shop for old hockey players looking for just one more year in the NHL.
Don't believe this is a response to a possible long-term Boychuk injury, simply adding to depth. Seidenberg can play both sides.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) September 28, 2016
Really do think this was to add a versatile vet at a good price. Mayfield is a very different style D-man with very little experience.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) September 28, 2016
Guess it’ll be a little while longer for guys like Scott Mayfield to get more experience. Gotta sign that injury prone 35-year-old with the 48% Corsi For over the last three seasons instead.
If he truly is a spot player and is used effectively in a reduced role for less than half the season (or not at all if he proves to be a liability), then Seidenberg isn’t the worst idea the Islanders have ever had. But given the coaching staff’s predilection for playing ineffective veterans long past their sell-by dates, he could become an issue as the season wears on. The last guy who fit that description signed with Winnipeg this offseason.
The real question is, does Seidenberg like football?
The biggest issue with Seidenberg is he's the Strait replacement but they signed him too late to run the team's fantasy football league
— Alex Novet (@GhostofNyles) September 28, 2016