Why Did This Not Happen Sooner?

Jack Hillen is now a New York Islander. We signed him the other night before the Devils game. Frankly I want to know why this did not happen sooner. I think it was because Colorado College which is where Hillen was before this signing was in the Final 5 of the NCAA Tourny. (read 'final 5' from an interview with Hillen on the Isles website) That does not say why he waited to sign, it just said that his team was in there. Assuming they got knocked out, he looked for a contract. This was his last year, he went un-drafted which would be a great story for him and the Islanders if he becomes a top line Dman. I can hear it now...10 years, 7 time all star....Howie Rose "Which Islander on the team now, went un-drafted in college, and was signed with 3 games left in the regular season" Jack Hillen...Heres some good trivia...I don't know about other sports, but i know hockey players I guess the good ones keep in touch with each other. I guess because in America its rare to find other players, I understand its not hard when your in the system, but its still always good to know someone. Hillen called new Islander Kyle Okposo to see how the Island was. Okposo had nothing but good things to say about everything, the staff, the towns, the players, the fans...Thank you Kyle, for 2 reasons, playing here and getting us other great players to play here. In 2007-2008 his standout year, he had 37 points (6 goals, 31 assists) in 41 games. I hope he is an offensive catalyst, now that we lost Bergeron, we might have another great power play QB. How sweet is the fact that he gets to play 2 big games against the Rangers and then has an off season to learn about the bigs, and to meet his team. He wont be the newest Islander I bet by the start of next season, hopefully he will be comfortable by now. Its a 2 year contract for the 22 year old, and im pretty sure these next 2 games dont count. Hopefully hes good and he sticks around.