UFA Signing: Drew Fata

Moments after the last post, it was learned the defenseman Drew Fata is headed to the desert to suit up for the Phoenix Coyotes. Terms of the deal have yet to be released.

Originally selected in the 3rd Round, 86th overall of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Fata, the younger brother of Rico, took the hard way to get to the league. After failing to make the Pens, Fata bounced between the AHL and ECHL before a chance series of events landed Fata on the Isles during the 2005-06 season for a few games. A hard-nosed, dedicated d-man, Fata had a limited fill-in role for the Isles over the past two seasons playing in 8 regular season contests notching 1 goal and 1 assists for 2 points. Fata also filled in for Sean Hill following the latter's drug-related suspension in Game 5 of the 2006 opening round series against the Buffalo Sabres.

We wish Drew the best with his new team and will update the terms of the contract when we get it.