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The Islanders officially signed defenseman Robin Salo, their second-round pick from the 2017 entry draft, to a two-year contract on Friday afternoon.
The contract Salo and the organization agreed on counts toward this season, despite him finishing his season in the Swedish Hockey League with Orebro HK.
Salo could have an impact on the Isles this year when the SHL season ends. He is allowed to come to North America once Orebro’s season ends in March or later depending on how far they can go in the postseason. More importantly, getting Salo — who would’ve been an unrestricted free agent after this season — locked up adds depth to the defensive corps at both levels of the organization.
Some have even noted he is arguably the top defenseman in the Isles’ system who isn’t in the NHL right now.
Robin Salo (@NYIslanders) had another stellar performance for @OrebroHockey in SHL action, contributing 3 points in a high-scoring win over Linköping.https://t.co/JTf7y77q8K pic.twitter.com/q4OGPYVwfY
— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) January 7, 2021
The 22-year-old d-man’s best chance to make an impact with the Islanders will likely come in 2021-2022. By that time the organization may need some help on the blue line with the contracts of Ryan Pulock and Nick Leddy expiring after that season.
In 39 games with Orebro in the SHL this season, Salo has posted 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) and is a +13.