Richard Park signs three-year deal in Switzerland

 Former Islanders alternate captain RIchard Park recently signed a three-year deal to play for Swiss team Geneva-Servette.

The 34-year-old veteran had 9 goals and 22 assists for the Islanders last year despite playing through a nagging  foot injury for most of the season.

According to a source, the Islanders offered Park a two-way deal last week, but he ultimately chose to play in Europe.

While Park is still an effective player with unquestionable character and intangibles, but the feeling within the organization was that they want to get younger and bigger on their third and fourth lines and wanted the roster flexibility to allow guys like Matt Martin and Jesse Joensuu to compete for spots in training camp.

No doubt Park's leadership and veteran presence will be missed inside the Islanders' room. Best of luck to one of the classiest and most thoughtful guys in the game.