The New York Islanders have dipped into the European free agent market, signing Yannick Rathgeb to a two-year two-way contract. Though no financial terms have been released, Rathgeb will be subject to normal entry-level contract rules given his age.
A Swiss-born defenseman, Rathgeb already has some experience in North America after spending two seasons with the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. Undrafted, he returned to Switzerland where he has spent the last three seasons, suiting up for Fribourg-Gotteron in the professional NLA. He’s proven to be a consistent puck-moving defenseman, registering point totals of 27, 34 and 28 in relatively short seasons.
Coming to the Islanders, the 22-year old Rathgeb will likely have to prove himself again in the AHL. His experience in the most recent Spengler Cup was a good test, but to climb the ranks in New York will be a different challenge entirely. Interestingly though, the Islanders should have a healthy competition over the next few seasons for playing time on their blue line.
Calvin de Haan, Thomas Hickey and Dennis Seidenberg are all scheduled for unrestricted free agency, while Brandon Davidson and Ryan Pulock are both restricted free agents looking for new contracts. If Rathgeb can quickly make an impact, there will be opportunity for him in New York.