Islanders Sign Captain Linden

The New York Islanders signed team captain Trevor Linden to a contract Tuesday, just four days before they open their NHL season.

Linden, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last season for Bryan McCabe and Todd Bertuzzi, had seven goals and 17 points for the Islanders in 25 games. He has 257 career goals and 329 assists for 586 points.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed, though it is believed to be a one-year deal. General manager-coach Mike Milbury is happy to have Linden back in the fold.

"We're a better team with him in the lineup," Milbury said. "I'm glad it didn't last any longer than it had to."

Milbury said Linden has been working out in the offseason, and the team will get its first look at him either Wednesday or Thursday. The Islanders open their season at home on Saturday against Pittsburgh, and Milbury thinks Linden will be able to step right in.

"I would suspect he'll play Saturday night, unless he says he needs more time," Milbury said.

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