Free agent forward Stephen Gionta has agreed to a professional tryout (PTO) with the New York Islanders, the team announced on Monday.
Gionta skated with the Islanders for the first time during an informal skate at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset, New York on Tuesday, and is looking forward to when training camp opens on Sept. 22.
“I’m coming in and looking for an opportunity,” said Gionta, according to Islanders.com’s Cory Wright. “I’m thankful that they (the Islanders) extended the offer and I’ll try to make the most of it.”
Gionta, 32, has played his entire six-year NHL career with the New Jersey Devils, where he skated in 270 games and tallied 15 goals and 35 assists.
Before beginning his professional career, Gionta followed the path of his older brother, Brian, when he played four years at Boston College from 2002 to 2006. After going undrafted, Stephen received a tryout with the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats, and made his debut with the club in 2005-06.
Gionta spent the bulk of the next six seasons in the AHL, but in the last four seasons, he has skated in 257 games with the Devils, including all 82 games in 2015-16. Gionta also added seven points in 24 playoff games during the Devils’ run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final.
Steven is a lawyer and writer with a passion for the game of hockey. He’s the Lead Writer covering the Tampa Bay Lightning with THW. He’s also been press credentialed through the Lightning since 2016. His work has been published at The Fourth Period, LightningInsider.com, Bolt Prospects, The Sports Daily Network, U.S. College Hockey Online and College Hockey News. He’s had radio appearances on TSN 690 in Montreal, Lightning Power Play Live and multiple podcasts to give insight and analysis on the team. He can be reached on Twitter @StevenDiOssi and by email at sdiossi@gmail.com.
