Thomas Greiss has proven that his superb 2015-16 season was no accident. Now he has the contract security to back that up.
The Islanders signed Greiss to a three-year, $10-million extension Monday night, assuring that the 31-year-old goaltender will be part of a more stable situation in net.
"It's the most success I've ever had playing hockey, so it's been fun," Greiss told Newsday after signing his new deal. "It's a great organization, we have great guys on the team. That makes you more comfortable on the ice, too."
Greiss signed a two-year, $3-million deal on July 1, 2015, to be Jaroslav Halak's backup after Greiss bounced between the Sharks, Coyotes and Penguins in his first six NHL seasons in which he made only 69 starts combined.
But Greiss was the opening night starter when the Islanders made their Barclays Center debut last October and it was Greiss who backstopped the Islanders' first playoff series win since 1993 last spring.
On Tuesday, he'll make his 62nd start with the team, having ascended back to the No. 1 job after the Isles sent Halak to the AHL on Dec. 31. Greiss is currently third in the NHL with a .937 even-strength save percentage and he recently posted a 154:10 shutout streak.
It's been a long road for Greiss, who was a third-round pick of the Sharks in 2004.
"Everyone has some self-doubt along the way, but if you don't have confidence, you don't get far in this league," he said. "You always believe in yourself, try to have fun, play your best and see where it gets you."
Greiss will now be the one goaltender the Islanders protect in the June expansion draft. Halak still has one year left on his deal and J-F Berube, Greiss' backup, is still a candidate for the No. 2 job next season.
The Islanders erred in keeping all three goaltenders active through the first three months of the season. But Greiss clearly isn't concerned with the same thing happening again.
"I'm not too worried about it," he said. "It'll work itself out. I'm more concerned with us trying to make the playoffs right now."
