Isles need to re-sign Parenteau

Forward PA Parenteau had an exceptional year for the New York Islanders and he is a player that needs to be retained.



The 29-year-old winger found his niche with the Islanders with the team two years ago. Since then Parenteau has become a key part of the Islanders' top line, alongside all-star John Tavares and Matt Moulson.

This past season, Parenteau was in the team's top three in assists and points with 49 and 67 respectively. He added 18 goals on the year as well, a slight drop off from the previous season when he had 20 but he was still a big part of the Islanders offense.

Parenteau is not an elite scorer, but he does find ways to get the puck into the net when his team needs it. He’s a grinder who gets goals anyway he can and has scored a flashy goal or two as well. Not to mention his playmaking ability that has contributed to the offensive production of the Isles top line.

That is why it’s key the Islanders bring him back for next season.

Parenteau says he wants to remain an Islander and told Newsday during the team’s clean out day that “this is where I want to be.” The winger has a soft spot for the Islanders since they were the first club to give him a real shot at the NHL level. He played 22 games with the New York Rangers but wasn’t re-signed after his contract expired there.

“I'm in a pretty good position right now and I want to keep what we're building here. It's going to be something special,” Parenteau said.

Rumors appeared in earlier in the month that he was looking to sign with the Montreal Canadiens. That was refuted by his agent, Allan Walsh, who told Islanders Hockey Blog that his client’s focus was on returning to the Islanders.

“The Islanders gave him his opportunity to play regularly in the NHL,” Walsh said. “He enjoys a special relationship with the head coach and his teammates. It's PA's sincere hope that he can remain an Islander.”

The Islanders have had trouble in recent years attracting big name free agents to Long Island. Whether it’s the arena issue or the lack of on-ice success, they have always been stuck looking for the diamonds in the rough, like Moulson or Parenteau. But when they have a guy who is becoming a key player in the lineup and would draw interest elsewhere but wants to stay and Islander, he needs to be re-signed.

With over a month before the free agency period begins, the Islanders need to re-sign Parenteau.

Photo credit: Getty Images