UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- Shawn Bates, coming off the best season of his career, signed a two-year contract extension, through the 2004-05 season, with the New York Islanders on Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bates posted career highs with 17 goals, 35 assists and 71 games last season as the Islanders made the playoffs for the first time since 1994.

"Shawn opened a lot of eyes around the league with his play last season and he is a very important player for us," general manager Mike Milbury said. "We believe he is capable of even more, so that's why we're so pleased to have him under contract for the next three years. He has earned this deal with his hard work."

The 27-year-old center did not score more than five goals or play more than 45 games in any of four seasons with the Boston Bruins prior to signing with the Islanders in July 2001. The 5-11, 212-pound Bates is a solid defensive forward and had a plus-18 rating last season.

"It would be impossible to describe how happy I am right now. After going through some tough spots early in my career, the Islanders just seem like home to me," said Bates, a Massachusetts native. "To get this deal and know there won't be any contract talk for at least another three years makes me very proud.

"I want to thank ownership, Mike, the coaching staff and my teammates for everything they've done for me. I'm confident that the team and me personally can do even better next season."

Bates beat goaltender Curtis Joseph on a penalty shot to give the Islanders a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. It was just the third playoff penalty shot ever for the Islanders, who lost a very physical series to Toronto in seven games.