Props To GM Garth Snow: Why Marty Biron's Contract Is Genius

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

NHL Veteran goaltender Martin Biron signed on with the New York Islanders for a one-year deal worth $1.4 million.

Now, Ill get straight to the point. We all know that earlier this offseason the Islanders signed Dwayne Roloson to a two year deal worth $5 million. We also are very aware of the financial commitment the Islanders have already made to first overall pick Rick DiPietro in the form of a 15-year-old contract signed in 2005.

So, three No. 1 goalies? What gives? General Manager Garth Snow said it best when asked of his new found depth at the netminding position best.

"We now have three-bonafide number one goalies." While that statement would be true if your talking a shared talent level between the three men, this signing tells me one thing and one thing only.

The Islanders may have "three bonafide No. 1 goalies", but only two of them are healthy. Rick DiPietros hip problems are clearly worse then we all thought. Recently we were told that DiPetros will begin skating in August and will hopefully be ready for training camp. 

While that is good news, I am almost 100 percent certain (and this is just my personal opinion) that DiPietro will not be on the Islanders opening night roster. 

I foresee him either going on the IR and further resting his injuries right before camp, or coming to camp and maybe playing a pre-season game and then going on IR because he doesn't feel he is ready for full-time action just yet.

This is where Biron comes in. Everyone thought signing Roloson was genius just because we all know DP's situation. Roloson, although no spring chicken, has proven that he is a capable NHL starter and signed a relatively cheap, short term contract.

To most, the idea of a DiPietro-Roloson tandem, or at least just Roloson as a starter with an named back-up would be enough to help the Isles move up in the standings from last years disappointing last place finish.

Enter Marty Biron. Biron, another capable NHL starter, played very well the past two seasons as the Flyers starter, and was spectacular in the 2008 playoffs, leading Philadelphia to the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Penguins.

The signing of Biron is genius. It gives the Islanders a 1-2 punch in goal. Not that the Islanders have cap issues to begin with, but the fact that Biron is signed to such a cheap deal makes this signing genius. When I first heard of this signing, I immediately though of one thing.

To me, this shows all Islanders fans that this organization is commited to winning. Yes, I know that they need upgrades upfront and on the back end as well, probably before they needed to add another goaltender. But not signing any long term deals and overpaying guys is a good move on Garth Snow's part. 

Signing Marty Biron to me, is genius on Snow's part. This cheap, one year deal is strictly an insurance policy should DP not be ready to go. What others aren't aware is that the Islanders are a very, very young team.

Having Biron, even for a half a season, will do them wonders. He's an amazing character guy and great in the locker room. A true gentlemen in this great sport, someone you would have to meet (which I have) to truly understand what I'm talking about.

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