Islanders name RW Guerin team captain

Jul 9, 2007 - 6:46 PM UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Islanders didn't waste any time showing right wing Bill Guerin that he was a welcome addition to the team.

On Monday, the Islanders named the 36-year-old right wing as the 11th captain in team history, only four days after the well-traveled veteran signed a two-year contract.

"I've gotta say that I'm a little surprised about the captaincy," Guerin said. "It is an absolute honor to have the C on my jersey. I'm thrilled about it. It's a tremendous honor. I don't take this responsibility lightly."

The Islanders bought out the final four years of the contract of their previous captain, center Alexei Yashin, on June 6. Yashin served as the team captain for two years.

Untradeable because of the 10-year, $87.5 million deal he signed after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators in a draft-day deal in 2001, Yashin was a major disappointment with the club.

Drafted fifth overall by New Jersey in 1989, Guerin made the fourth All-Star Game appearance of his career last season, which he split between St. Louis and San Jose.

The 36-year-old recorded 28 goals and 19 assists in 61 games with the Blues before being sent to the Sharks at the February 27 trade deadline.