The New York Islanders suffered their second devastating blow this week and it's still early.
The team announced Tuesday that forward Kyle Okposo's ailing right shoulder will require surgery that will keep him out indefinitely. This news comes roughly 48 hours after the team announced that defenseman Mark Streit would miss the bulk of the season after undergoing surgery to repair damage to his left shoulder that is reported to be a torn rotator cuff and labrum.
The Islanders have now lost both of their alternate captains to extended shoulder injuries and the season hasn't even started.
The team also announced it has signed former New Jersey defenseman Mike Mottau to a two-year contract. Mottau, 32, spent the last three seasons with the Devils and last season recorded a career-high 18 points in 79 games.
"Mike is a solid puck-moving defenseman who will bring more experience to our blue line," GM Garth Snow said in a statement.
Okposo finished second on the team last season with 19 goals and 52 points in 80 games. He had 18 goals and 39 points as a rookie two seasons ago. It is unclear when he suffered his shoulder injury, though there is speculation that it happened during an intrasquad scrimmage last week.
The team announced Tuesday that forward Kyle Okposo's ailing right shoulder will require surgery that will keep him out indefinitely. This news comes roughly 48 hours after the team announced that defenseman Mark Streit would miss the bulk of the season after undergoing surgery to repair damage to his left shoulder that is reported to be a torn rotator cuff and labrum.
The Islanders have now lost both of their alternate captains to extended shoulder injuries and the season hasn't even started.
The team also announced it has signed former New Jersey defenseman Mike Mottau to a two-year contract. Mottau, 32, spent the last three seasons with the Devils and last season recorded a career-high 18 points in 79 games.
"Mike is a solid puck-moving defenseman who will bring more experience to our blue line," GM Garth Snow said in a statement.
Okposo finished second on the team last season with 19 goals and 52 points in 80 games. He had 18 goals and 39 points as a rookie two seasons ago. It is unclear when he suffered his shoulder injury, though there is speculation that it happened during an intrasquad scrimmage last week.
The story was published about a half an hour ago. These are 2 huge losses for the Isles. Streit is by far there best defenseman, but now with the new additions he might not be AS big of a loss then say this time last year. And as far as Okposo is concerned, he is one of the teams best playmakers and offensive threats. The Islanders just better hope the new additions to the team can step up and fill the holes or this could be another long season for us Islanders fans.
Full NHL Preview will come next week so keep checking often
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