The New York Islanders and free agent defenseman Marek Zidlicky have mutual interest in making a new contract happen, according to Newsday’s Arthur Staple.
Nothing is imminent, but Staple reports that discussions have been going for a couple of weeks and that the “interest is there.”
The last two seasons Zidlicky has played on a single-season contract, both with a value of $3 million. At his age and with the rules on over 35 contracts, the odds are heavily in favor of this being a single year deal, if it comes together.
Last season, the 38-year-old defenseman was traded from the New Jersey Devils to the Detroit Red Wings at the trade deadline, posting seven goals and 27 assists over 84 games split between the two teams. He posted positive relative possession, but his production is on the decline as he approaches 40.
#Isles and UFA D Marek Zidlicky have been discussing a contract past few weeks. Nothing decided on either side, but interest is there.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) August 12, 2015
Over the course of his career, Zidlicky has played 783 career NHL games, scoring 85 goals and 316 assists. He may be coming up on the end of the line, but he could be a decent complimentary piece for the Isles’ blue line, if the intended usage is as a depth player with some power play time (likely the second unit). On defense, the Islanders currently have Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy, Travis Hamonic, Thomas Hickey, Calvin de Haan and Brian Strait under contract. The team signed Matt Carkner to an AHL contract on Tuesday as well.