Islanders sign D Hillen

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK (TICKER) —The New York Islanders on Tuesday agreed to terms on a two-year contract with defenseman Jack Hillen.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

“We are very proud that Jack made the decision to join the Islanders,” New York general manager Garth Snow said. “He was one of the prized college free agents for good reason.”

A Colorado College standout, the 22-year-old Hillen was the leading scorer among blue-liners in NCAA Division I hockey last season as he notched 31 assists and 37 points over 41 games.

“I liked the way Garth Snow and Islanders management came after me with honesty and a commitment,” Hillen said. “They are building a team around a core of exciting young players.

“I know Kyle Okposo well from playing against him and he had many glowing things to say about how the organization has treated him. The Islanders were the perfect fit for me.”

Bill's note: more on Hillen here: Jack Hillen

Another note: Greg Logan in Newsday says that Hillen will practice tomorrow with the Isles and make his debut in one of the remaining games against the Rangers.

Isles brought up Kip "The Suspended" Brennan for another "toughness" audition over the next couple of games. Joey MacDonald will play tonight as Dubie rests and Matt Keith will make his Islanders debut tonight against Martin Brodeur (or former Isles goalie Kevin Weekes) and the Devils.

Islanders recall three from AHL; Sillinger out three weeks with hip injury

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK (TICKER) -- The New York Islanders on Monday recalled left wing Jeff Tambellini, center Frans Nielsen and left wing Kip Brennan.

Tambellini, who leads the AHL in goals with 29, has played in eight games this season with the Islanders but has yet to score. In 56 career games, the 23-year-old has recorded three goals and 10 assists.

Nielsen, 23, will be making his season debut with the team, having played in 15 games with the Islanders last season, tallying a goal and an assist.

Brennan will be seeing his first NHL action since the 2005-06 season with the Anaheim Ducks. He has totaled one goal and an assist in 58 career games.