NHL Free Agency 2012: Islanders Bolster Blue Line with Matt Carkner Addition

The Islanders continue to improve their blue line with the addition of Matt Carkner.

According to Arthur Staple on Twitter, Carkner signed a three-year, $4.5 million contract with the team.

Carkner isn't known for offense. In 29 games with the Ottawa Senators last season, he scored a goal and two assists. In 162 career games, he has four goals and 18 assists.

He is more known, however, for his size and tenacity. Carkner is a big body at 6'4'' and 237 pounds.

As mentioned above, he was limited to 29 games last season because of a knee injury. He did, however, play four games in the postseason.

Islanders left winger Matt Moulson said on Twitter that he hates to play against Carkner and is a tough player.

From the Islanders official website, General Manager Garth Snow said, “We’re very happy to add Matt to our defensive core for the next three seasons. He brings good size and toughness to our blue line.”

Carkner would be well suited to play on the third pairing with one of the Islanders young prospects like Calvin de Haan, Matt Donovan or Aaron Ness. They could learn about the physical aspects of being a defenseman from him, as well as give Carkner a puck-moving young guy to work with.

There is still plenty of time left in the Free Agent Frenzy, so let's see how else the Islanders plan to stir the pot.