"The Islanders continued backing up their plan of building around their young core yesterday, locking up forward Kyle Okposo with a five-year contract worth $14 million.

Less than two weeks ago, Isles general manager Garth Snow gave a five-year, $15 million contract to Michael Grabner, and in mid-season he signed Matt Moulson to a three-year deal worth $9.4 million.

Grabner and Okposo, both 23 years old, were set to be restricted free agents this off-season, and instead of extending qualifying offers to keep them, Snow made long-term financial commitments. This from a team whose future on Long Island is still in flux, as a plan for a new arena is being readied for a vote by Nassau County residents on the tentative date of Aug. 1."