The veteran grinder signed a PTO with the Islanders during training camp, but a broken foot derailed his bid for a contract out of camp.
"Yeah that was tough, but that's hockey, you put yourself in harm's way and stuff happens," Gionta, a veteran of 270 NHL games, said. "It's unfortunate, but I'm here now, it's in the past and I just have to go forward from here."
Gionta rehabbed his foot on Long Island and played seven games with the Sound Tigers, so he said he's familiar with the Islanders style of play.
"The start of training camp and a couple games there definitely helped transition into the systems there and learning the PK and forecheck," Gionta said. "Being around the rehab also helped me, watching video and stuff."
Jack Capuano said he plans to evaluate the health of his team before committing to a lineup for Friday night.