Jordan Eberle calling free agency a “last resort” must be music to the ears of the New York Islanders and their fans after what happened a year ago.

Eberle on Friday agreed to terms on a $27.5 million, five-year contract that counts $5.5 million against the salary cap. Unlike former captain John Tavares, who left for Toronto last summer in free agency, Eberle decided to commit long term to the Islanders much like teammate Brock Nelson did recently.

Since joining the Islanders via a trade in 2017, Eberle has 44 goals and 52 assists in 159 games. Counting seven years with Edmonton, he has 209 goals and 269 assists for 478 points in 666 games.