Pulock Signs Two-Year Deal with the Islanders

New York Islanders Defensemen Ryan Pulock in 2019. Photo by Bennett Cohen/CSM/Shutterstock (10438045af)

Restricted free agent Ryan Pulock signed a two-year contract with the New York Islanders on Wednesday, therefore committing to stay with the team after much speculation regarding his future with the franchise.

With an arbitration meeting previously scheduled for Friday, November 6, Pulock can now avoid this issue due to his decision to resign with the Islanders.

The 26-year-old defenseman proved to be a key player in the Islanders’ 2020 NHL season, scoring 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 68 games. He particularly excelled in the Islanders’ postseason games, with two goals and eight assists in 10 games.

The agreements with Pulock now means that the Islanders have acquired both of their key defensemen during the offseason, the other one being Adam Pelech, for a total spend of $6.3 million.

Following the completion of the aforementioned deals, the Islanders now have $3.9 million in cap space, which is expected to be addressed due to the franchise’s intention to re-sign restricted free-agent center, Mathew Barzal in an extended deal.

Due to its limited financial capabilities, the Islanders have had to come to terms with letting go of defenseman Devon Toews as he made his way to the Colorado Avalanche.