After dealing away Devon Toews earlier today, the Islanders added some depth up front as PuckPedia reports (Twitter link) that they’ve signed center Austin Czarnik to a two-year contract. The first year is a two-way deal worth $700K in the NHL and $350K in the minors with a $425K guarantee while the second season is one-way at $750K.
The 27-year-old was a high-end scorer in the minors back in 2017-18 with AHL Providence which helped him earn a two-year, $2.5MM contract with Calgary in 2018. While he managed to stay with the Flames for all of the first year, he only suited up for them eight times last season, picking up two goals and an assist. But after clearing waivers in December, Czarnik was sent to Stockton of the AHL for the rest of the year. He was quite productive with the Heat, posting 16 goals and 17 assists in just 32 games.
Not surprisingly, that was able to help Czarnik land a pretty good contract as far as projected AHL players go. While it’s possible that he contends for a spot on the fourth line in training camp, it’s more likely that he starts in a top role with AHL Bridgeport and gets recalled whenever injuries arise.