New York Islanders GM Garth Snow claimed prior to July 1st that he wouldn't make a big splash in this summer's UFA pool.

He apparently changed his mind, signing former Montreal Canadiens goalie  defenseman Mark Streit to a five year, $20.5 million contract, or $4.1 million per season.

Streit had a terrific performance in his third NHL season last year, with 62 points in 81 games, most of those coming on the Canadiens lethal power play.

The Habs hoped to re-sign Streit but with forward Andrei Kostitsyn to re-sign and with GM Bob Gainey focused on landing an impact forward there was no room on the payroll for him.

If Streit's asking price was $4.1 million per, it's no wonder Gainey passed.

It's understandable that Snow wants to bolster his blueline, and Streit is a good offensive defenseman, but as noted earlier, he put up those big totals last season on one of the top powerplay units in the league, which he won't be playing for on Long Island next season.

Snow is gambling that Streit is capable of at least 40 points per season on a lesser team, and it could prove to be an expensive gamble.