The New York Islanders announced Monday that they have come to terms on a one-year contract extension for goaltender Christopher Gibson. Contract details were not disclosed, though The Hockey News’ Ryan Kennedy reports that it’s a two-way deal.
The 23-year-old was a restricted free agent and still will be once this contract expires. He was one of the five prospects that the Islanders received from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the trade for Michael Grabner.
The Finn made his NHL debut last year, playing four games with the Islanders, over which he posted an .882 save percentage. He was in net against the Washington Capitals on April 5 when the team clinced a berth in the 2016 postseason.
#Isles Transaction: Christopher Gibson has agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way deal >>https://t.co/6iDynfhWxL pic.twitter.com/Z07nLPaFXk
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) August 15, 2016
Outside of that cup of coffee, Gibson played 42 games for the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he posted a .909 save percentage and led team goaltenders in games played and wins (19). That’s a bit of a step down from the prior season where he had a .921 save percentage through 45 games with the Toronto Marlies.
An odd goaltending situation for the Islanders last year with plenty of injuries created the situation where Gibson made his debut. He was really fourth on the depth chart behind Jaroslav Halak, Thomas Greiss and J.F. Berube, but got his opportunity and will enter the 2016-17 season as a goaltender they have turned to in the past.
UPDATE:
General Fanager reports that the deal carries a value of $660,000 in the NHL and $70,000 in the AHL with no guarantee.