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Islanders lock up Frans Nielsen for four years

Alex Ovechkin, Frans Nielsen

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, battles for the puck against New York Islanders center Frans Nielsen (51), of Denmark, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

AP

The New York Islanders locked down shutdown forward Frans Nielsen to a four-year, $11 million deal according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. Nielsen would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer if this deal hadn’t been reached.

McKenzie reveals that the salary breaks down as such:

2012-13: $2 million
2013-14: $2.5M
2014-15: $3M
2015-16: $3.5M

Nielsen doesn’t get much press because he’s a defensive forward, but he’d be the kind of sturdy two-way player who’d turn some heads if he played on a playoff contender.

Nielsen averages 2:09 shorthanded time per game, good for third overall on the Islanders and No. 1 among the team’s forwards. His offensive output isn’t half-bad, either, with nine goals and 25 points in 51 games this season.

Naturally, Nielsen lacks the platform to get the recognition of a Dave Bolland-type asset because he plays for the Islanders. That being said, if the young squad turns things around soon, he’s likely to be a very valuable piece - and at a reasonable price, too.