Simon Holmstrom, New York Islanders Ink Entry Level Contract

The New York Islanders announced that first-round pick Simon Holmstrom has agreed to terms on his Entry Level Contract.

Holmström was the 23rd-overall pick in last month’s 2019 NHL Draft. The left-shooting winger plays with Sweden’s HV71 J20 team and could return to HV71 for the 2019-20 season, but he also could play in Bridgeport with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate.

During last month’s prospect development camp, Holmstrom sounded eager to play and adjust to North American pro hockey, but there likely won’t be a declaration on that until later in the summer or training camp.

After a week’s worth of on-ice and off-ice work, Holmstrom said the coaches want to see him continue to develop his north-south game. That’s fine by the shifty Swede, who prides himself as a finesse forward that loves the gritty areas of the rink; driving to the net and flashing his sharp stickhandling while doing so.

”The game here is a little bit different than Sweden. I think I have to play more north-south game, drive to the net harder and play a bit tougher,” Holmstrom said. “I think I matched up pretty good [against prospects at development camp]. I know I have a lot more in me to give. I know I can match better. I think it was an okay camp. I have more to give. I’m really looking forward to it.”

CapFriendly lists the three-year deal as the standard $925,000 cap hit you’d expect for a first-round pick.