York Makes Good in Arbitration

According to TSN, New York Islanders' forward Mike York has been awarded $2.85 million dollars for the 2006-07 season. The Isles have 48 hours to decide whether to sign him or let him walk. This will be the first test for new, inexperienced GM Garth Snow and he doesn't have very long to think about it. Should the team decline their option to sign York, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

28-year old York made $2.05 million last season while registering 52 points.

Mike York's Career Stats

Arbitration decisions for Buffalo's Daniel Briere and San Jose's mark Smith are also due today.

Other news around the NHL:
Predators sign Legwand to two-year deal
Jackets lock up Chimera for two more years

NHL Jeff's Take: Although York's 52 points were important to last year's Islander team that struggled to get on the scoreboard, I think Snow should walk away from the deal. Market value for York, from what I've seen and read, seems to be between $1.5 and $2 million. I don't think he will be able to get $2.85 from any team should he become an unrestricted free agent. Despite what seems to be somewhat of a steep price, I am guessing Snow will not want to take any chances on his first big move and he will re-sign Mike York.

It was important for the Predators to re-sign David Legwand. He is a key role player on the team and can put up a point about every other game.

As long as they got him for a good price, Jason Chimera is a good keeper for the Jackets. He had a career year last year, which he will hopefully build upon, and he provides some size and definitely some grit on the wing. The Jackets avoided Chimera going to arbitration, his hearing was scheduled for August 3.