New York Islanders Interest in Stephen Gionta for PTO
The New York Islanders woke from their summer slumber with reported interest in offering former New Jersey Devils Stephen Gionta a PTO.
The New York Islanders are rumored to be interested in former New Jersey Devils forward Stephen Gionta. According to Newsday’s Arthur Staple the Islanders are in discussions with Gionta on a PTO.
#Isles may bring F Stephen Gionta to camp on a PTO. Nothing signed yet but in discussions. Played 270 games over 6 seasons with Devils.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) September 9, 2016
Gionta is free to sign with any team after becoming a UFA at the completion of his last two-year $1.7 million deal with the Devils at the end of the 2015-16 season.
The younger of the two Gionta siblings spent five seasons playing with the Devils. Accumulating 270 games played and 50 points. His most fruitful season was in 2012-13 where he netted 14 points in a lockout-shortened season.
Bringing in Gionta would round out the training camp squad, but would do little to factor in the actual first team.
The Islanders already have a full active roster with more players than spots, with 24 of 23 spots taken. And that’s including the fact that RFA Ryan Strome has yet to sign a contract extension.
It’s also hard to imagine that he’ll force the demotions of players like Alan Quine and Shane Prince. Both just recently signed one-way contract extensions with the club.
If the 32-year-old Gionta is tended an offer from the club, it would likely be to stock Bridgeport with some veteran talent.
At the AHL level, Gionta had more success than on the big stage having two thirty point season in 2009-10 and 2010-11 with the Lowell/Albany Devils.
The Islanders rumored interest in Gionta shouldn’t be seen as anything more than a curious interest in a player that could assist the farm system. And at best, Gionta would be used for short-term injury cover.
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