The Islanders are not expecting to re-sign backup goaltender Martin Biron. According to both camps, the 32-year-old netminder plans to test the market via free agency on July 1."At this point in time, we have not extended an offer to Martin Biron and expect him to be an unrestricted free agent come July 1,'' general manager Garth Snow said.
Biron's agent, Peter Fish, said: "We plan on going to [free agency] July 1, but no doors have been closed.''
Biron, who struggled toward the beginning of the season but rattled off seven wins in eight starts toward the end of the schedule, finished with a 9-14-4 record and 3.27 GAA.
Although Biron was a dynamic presence and beloved teammate in the dressing room, the fact that he is parting ways with the Islanders is not surprising.
The Islanders' three-goaltender situation that was created once Rick DiPietro returned from a knee injury in January was less than ideal for all involved, but particularly Biron. Biron was out of the mix once DiPietro was ready to play but was reinserted into the starting rotation when DiPietro was sidelined again with knee issues later in the season.
The Islanders likely will head into this season with Dwayne Roloson and DiPietro in net and will exercise cautious optimism about the latter. If DiPietro cannot stay healthy, it is likely the team will give Bridgeport goaltender Nathan Lawson a chance to back up Roloson.
The Islanders plan on extending a qualifying offer to Lawson at some point this summer.
In a radio interview during an NHL Live segment Wednesday, Snow said about Lawson, "In a pinch he can come up and give us good, quality minutes.''
Does this really come as a surprise to anyone? I think not. Everyone knew that once DiPietro came back and Biron was not traded that come July 1, he was going somewhere else.
The Isles didn't really treat the goaltending situation very well and Biron seemed to be the odd man out when DiPietro came back. I wish Martin the best and hopefully next season he finds himself in a situation that is much better than the one he just went through.
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