Islanders Solidify Goaltender, Ink Ex-Bruin Chad Johnson To 2-Year Deal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's no secret the biggest problem the Islanders had during the 2013-14 season was goaltending.
It shouldn't be a problem anymore.
On the heels of signing veteran Jaroslav Halak to a four-year, $18 million contract prior to free agency, the Isles turned around and got a more-than-reliable backup, inking Chad Johnson to a two-year, $2.6 million deal not long after the free agency signing period opened on Tuesday.
Johnson put up stellar numbers for the Boston Bruins as Tuukka Rask's primary backup, going 17-4-3 with a 2.10 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. For his three-year career, the 28-year-old netminder is 20-6-6 with a 2.07 GAA and .926 save percentage.
While the Islanders signed 29-year-old Halak to be their horse, he's never appeared in more than 57 games in a season. Johnson, if healthy, should easily be good for 20-25 starts, or more should something happen to Halak.
Snow followed up the Johnson move with a bunch of depth signings. He inked forward Cory Conacher to a one-year, $600,000 deal, and reportedly came to terms with forwards Jack Skille and Harry Zolnierczyk.
The Islanders also signed offensive-minded defenseman T.J. Brennan to a one-year deal. Brennan was the AHL's defenseman of the year in 2013-14. He led the Toronto Marlies with 72 points, including 25 goals, during the regular season, and then added 14 more points in 14 playoff games.
The 25-year-old blueliner from Willingboro, N.J., was originally drafted in the second round by the Buffalo Sabres in 2007.
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