The Greece native saw this offer as his best chance to play in the NHL this season.
Stephen Gionta signed a PTO with the New York Islanders, according to Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
The 10-year veteran from Greece, who will be 33 on Oct. 9, has played 270 NHL games, scoring 50 points, all with the New Jersey Devils.
Gionta signed with NJ following his graduation from Boston College. He became a UFA at the conclusion of his $1.7 million contract expired at the end of the 2015-16 season where he played all 82 games with the Devils.
Stephen’s older brother Brian, 37, is captain of the Buffalo Sabres.
According to Eyes On Isles reporter Michel Anderson, “Bringing in Gionta would round out the training camp squad, but would do little to factor in the actual first team.
“The Islanders already have a full active roster with more players than spots, with 24 of 23 spots taken. And that’s including the fact that RFA Ryan Strome has yet to sign a contract extension.
“It’s also hard to imagine that he’ll force the demotions of players like Alan Quine and Shane Prince (Spencerport native). Both just recently signed one-way contract extensions with the club.
“If the 32-year-old Gionta is tended an offer from the club, it would likely be to stock Bridgeport with some veteran talent.
“At the AHL level, Gionta had more success than on the big stage having two 30-point season in 2009-10 and 2010-11 with the Lowell/Albany Devils.”