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Isles reward Calder finalist Grabner
By
SPORTS NETWORK
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UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- The New York Islanders and forward Michael Grabner agreed to a five-year contract on Friday.
The 23-year-old Grabner led the Islanders as well as all of the league's rookies with 34 goals, while his 52 points ranked third among the freshmen class and earned him a nomination for the Calder Trophy.
"Michael showed last season that he is an elite player in this league," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "In addition to providing speed and skill to our offense, he's worked hard to elevate the defensive side of his game to become an all around player."
The Austria native netted six shorthanded goals in 2010-11, one behind teammate Frans Nielsen for the league lead.
Grabner, who played 20 games for Vancouver in 2009-10, joined the Islanders in October after being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers. He was originally selected 14th overall by the Canucks in the 2006 draft.
