How much is a fourth-line center worth? According to Islanders general manager Garth Snow, about $3.35 million per year.
At least that’s what Snow gave Casey Cizikas, inking the 25-year-old restricted free agent Thursday to a five-year, $16.75 million deal. With the pending unrestricted free agency of key second-line center Frans Niesen, Cizikas is also insurance down the middle.
But he made his name as the pivot between Matt Martin — a to-be unrestricted free agent — and Cal Clutterbuck over the past few years on a rugged and physical fourth line. He was the best face-off man on the team this season, when the Isles bowed out in the second round against the Lightning.