General manager Lou Lamoriello took a big step toward keeping the Islanders’ core group together.

The team announced Monday afternoon that it had tendered qualifying offers to nine of its 10 restricted free agents, including key roster contributors Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews. Josh Ho-Sang, Grant Hutton, Kyle Burroughs, Mitch Vande Sompel and Parker Wotherspoon were also extended qualifying offers.

Goaltender Linus Soderstrom was the one RFA who was not given a qualifying offer.

Defenseman Sebastian Aho, who made the Islanders’ expanded playoff roster, signed a two-year contract with the organization despite not having played in an NHL game since 2017-18. According to multiple reports, the second year in the deal is a one-way contract.

Lamoriello made it clear during his end-of-the-season media availability that he was planning to prioritize the Islanders’ current roster, which came two wins away from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. Back in March, Lamoriello said he hoped to lock down Barzal before any other team could extend an offer sheet. Even if there were an offer sheet, Lamoriello said it would be matched.

The 23-year-old Barzal has continued to make strides. He recorded five goals and 12 assists in the Isles’ 2020 run and has seemingly developed even further under head coach Barry Trotz. Barzal has posted 207 points in the last three seasons.