The New York Islanders announced on their official site that center Frans Nielsen has agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension. The new deal extends the Herning, Denmark-native through the 2015-16 season.

Nielsen, who is known amongst fans as the ‘Danish Backhand of Judgment’, thanks to the multiple shootout thrillers with his patented moves in the extra frame, has helped to lead New York to many thrilling victories during the course of the year.

Thus far the center has nine goals and 16 assists in 52 games for the Isles, while recording 33 points in each of his first three NHL seasons.

With Nielsen signed, Isles GM Garth Snow can now start to work on deals for other popular players whose contracts will be up in 2012.  With a total of 14 current players looking to extend their contracts before the July deadline.

Names on that lengthy list include P.A. Parenteau, Milan Jurcina, and both current cagers as Al Montoya and Evgeni Nabokov maybe the next in line for a new deal.

Written on February 8, 2012