Jaroslav Halak signs 4-year deal with Islanders: 'I think this is a perfect fit'
The New York Islanders locked up a legitimate NHL starting goaltender by signing Jaroslav Halak to a four-year, $18-million deal on Thursday, and the 29-year-old appears thoroughly excited about the prospect of suiting up for a potential up-and-coming squad.
Newest #Isles G Jaro Halak tells me: "I think this is a perfect fit. They have good young guys who will only get better."
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 22, 2014
Halak, drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the ninth round of the 2003 draft, boasts a career save percentage of .918, and should serve to stabilize a great area of need for the Islanders.
Isles' team save percentage, by season 2013-14: .894 (30th in NHL) 2012-12: .899 (T-24th) 2011-12: .898 (T-28th) 2010-11: .902 (T-23rd)
— Jason Brough (@JasonPHT) May 22, 2014
Halak will join a core built around John Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Travis Hamonic (with several young and skilled pieces on the horizon) in the team's quest to become a Stanley Cup contender, or a perennial playoff team at the very least.