BEST NEWS I'VE HEARD ALL DAY! MONTOYA STAYS!

So as I have been calling for on every outlet I could find, Al Montoya, The Big Cubano, remains an Islanders for next season.

Another 1st rounder, another ex-NY Ranger, finding opportunity and a home here on Long Island on the Uniondale ice.

Perfect!

Uniondale, NY, March 29, 2011 – The New York Islanders announced today that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension with goaltender Al Montoya. The contract will keep him with the club through the 2011-12 season.



Montoya, 26, has a record of 8-4-4 with a 2.35 goals against average (GAA) and a .923 save percentage (save%) in 17 games with the Islanders this season. The Chicago, IL. native was acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes on Feb. 9, 2011 in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.



Originally selected by the New York Rangers in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Montoya has played in 197 career American Hockey League games with the Hartford Wolf Pack and San Antonio Rampage, compiling a 96-72-7 record with nine shutouts. Prior to joining the Islanders, the 6’2”, 195-pound goalie had played in five career NHL games, all with Phoenix, and posted a 3-1-0 record with a 2.08 GAA and a .925 save%. In 22 career NHL games, Montoya is 11-5-4 with a 2.29 GAA and a .924 save%.

Also announced today that Doug Weight will not return and how is that NOT surprising. Still with the organization, but as Deb Placey mentioned, he's probably looking for a GM job.

Um, Dougie... keep looking.