Islanders Offseason News: Arbitration book closed

Story byHe exists. | Getty ImagesThe NHL’s arbitration hearing window is coming to an end, and alas we’ve been robbed of the theater that would be a…Alex Jefferies arbitration hearing.The Isles this week officially announced a one-year, two-way deal with their lone arbitration filing, a player many do not think of and certainly not one whose record (zero NHL games, two-plus AHL seasons) you’d associate with arbitration theater.His hearing was scheduled for July 31, the second-to-last day for hearings. In the end, all 15 players across the league who filed for arbitration reached contracts before they reached hearings, so…the system works, I guess?Islanders NewsDon’t be misled by the headline, “Catching up with Casey Cizikas” does not mean he’s a retired alum yet. He discussed his summer activity and approaching 1,000 (regular season) games. [Isles]Maclin Celebrini’s massive $18.8M AAV on his five-year Sharks extension tells us what to expect with Matthew Schaefer’s extension. Thanks to Daniel Briere, the era of discounts for RFA-controlled players is over, at least for the stars. [Newsday | Post]Islanders games will be streamed on DAZN as part of that MSG/Yes/DAZN partnership. [Isles | Newsday]Matias Maccelli on his favorite pasta sauce recipe signing with the Islanders. [Isles]It’s now over 80,000 submissions for the 3rd-jersey deisgn. [Newsday]The Isles on Jefferies signing. [Isles]The details:The Islanders and Alex Jefferies avoid arbitration NHL: $850KAHL: $100KGuarantee: $130K— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 24, 2026ElsewhereIn Minnesota, Quinn Hughes’ reps are expected to discuss his next contract, and how they’ll make room for his brothers. (That last part may be my own B.S.) [NHL]Ranking the league’s top-two center duos: The Isles are below average, especially if you consider Brayden Schenn their 2C. [Athletic]Zach Hyman praises his former-and-incoming coach Mike Babcock as the PR rehabilitation campaign continues. [Sportsnet]