Milbury Signs Deal With Isles

May 18, 1998 / 11:38 PM EDT / CBS/AP

New York Islanders coach Mike Milbury signed a five-year contract Monday to remain as the team's coach.

Milbury, who was also the team's general manager, will remain in charge of all player personnel decisions. All other duties, including negotiating contracts, will be reassigned under a new management group.

"What this does is divest me of some of my responsibilities to allow me to concentrate on my duties as coach," Milbury said. "For instance, actual contract negotiations will now no longer be my responsibility. (Agent) Paul Kraus can rest a little easier today."

Kraus represents star forward Zigmund Palffy, who becomes a restricted free agent on July 1. Past negotiations between the two have been contentious. But now Kraus will be dealing with John Sanders, who will negotiate contracts along with Mike Santos.

Milbury's coaching role will also undergo changes. He will have four assistants, including an offensive and defensive coordinator.

"In the end, this is a model to make my role infinitely easier," Milbury said. "I enjoyed that there were a lot of aspects to the (general manager's) job, but there's nothing like being in the pit. There's a new energy to it."