NEW YORK – The New York Islanders signed backup goalie Garth Snow to a three-year deal on Friday.

Snow, who turned 36 on Thursday, is 40-39-12 in three seasons with the Islanders. The former University of Maine star will play behind Rick DiPietro.

“Garth has been an excellent goaltender for us the last three seasons and has been a true professional every step of the way,” New York general manager Mike Milbury said. “We’re very happy he’ll be back with us for the long term.”

Snow is 131-134-43 with a career 2.74 goals-against average. He also played for Quebec, Philadelphia, Vancouver and Pittsburgh.

Snow, who could’ve become an unrestricted free agent on Monday, will again have to adjust to smaller pads, as new NHL rules mandate an 11-percent reduction in dimensions. The 10-year league veteran has long been the symbol of goalies who donned hulking equipment.

The width of goalie leg pads have been cut by one inch to 11 inches, and the blocking glove, upper-body protector, pants and jersey will also shrink this season.

The changes were made to try to eliminate unfair advantages the NHL says goalies have gained over skaters. The 6-foot-3 Snow has contended that his bigger frame requires bigger pads for protection, not for help in stopping pucks.