Visnovsky An Islander ... Again!

Per Darren Dreger, “Vishnovsky trade from Ducks to Islanders deemed valid. There was issue raised with no-move clause, etc when trade was agreed on.”

Back in July on Draft Day, Garth Snow made a trade with the Anahiem Ducks to acquire #2 Defensemen, Lubomir Visnosky.  The trade addressed a big need for the team and afforded them a bona fide top pair defensemen for the Islanders blue-line.

Just as the fans could smile and move on from at least one huge need being scratched off the Isles wish-list, it was revealed that Visnovsky claimed he had a valid NTC in his contact and could not legally be traded to the Islanders. “Not that there's anything wrong with that.” 

If the NHLPA agreed and the Visnovsky trade was voided, the Islanders would have wasted their ability to make other trades on draft day that could have helped the team if the Lubo deal fell through.

He was given a date of September 4^th for a hearing with the NHLPA to test his claim.  To make things more interesting, he crashed in a sports car race somewhere in SVK a short time later, wrecking his car.  Thankfully, he was not injured.

Today, it was reported that the Arbitraitor ruled against Visnovsky's claim and that the trade was valid, thus, making Lubomir Visnovsky an Islander.  That is good news for the Islanders and their fans. 

Per BD Gallof, “Just spoke to Visnosky's agent, Neil Sheehy. 'Visnosky happy to be with the NY Islanders. It has nothing to do with NY Islanders.'  Per agent: 'CBA issue between NHL and NHLPA. Needed language to be clear. Arbitrator ruling made the language clear.'  Sheehy: 'Visnosky is a true professional. Now that it's cleared, he knows he's with Islanders.'  Sheehy: 'We feel Visnosky's addition to Isles will make their powerplay best in the league.” 

At least it should be good news.  Right?

Isles Notes:

Per NHLhistorygirl, “On this date in 2006, Rick DiPietro signed a 15-year, $67.5 million contract with the Isles.”

New York Islanders Partner with SportsYapper.

NHL Notes:

Per Pierre LeBrun, “Don Fehr meeting media now. Confirms NHLPA made a new proposal today.  Fehr also confirms league made a counter-proposal. Won't characterize if this means progress or not.  Bettman says they told NHLPA some elements offered today in league counter-proposal will be off the table come expiry of CBA Sat night. 

Per Katie Strang, “NHLPA expect(ed) upwards of 275 players attending meetings today/tomorrow. Would be biggest turnout since ratification in 05.  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said PA's proposal was "not really much different" than last. He said league's had "significant movement.  When asked to quantify "significant movement" Bettman said league budged $250-300 million in addition to past "concessions".  Of course what PA would contend is you can't make a concession w/ something you don't already have. PA hasn't agreed to less than 57%. 

Per Darren Dreger, “NHL players aren't interested in any offer that includes taking less than the $1.87 bil share made last year.”

Per Pierre LeBrun, “Fehr, in his second newser of the day, confirms league's newest offer starts at 49 percent for players' share and fazes to 47 percent.  Still not an offer that interests players whatsoever given drop from current 57 percent.”

Per Katie Strang, NHLPA has filed official challenge on behalf of MTL Canadiens players before Quebec Labour Relations Board to declare lockout illegal.  There will be an emergency hearing on the matter before the QLRB Friday morning.  he QLRB does not recognize NHLPA as a certified union, which would make a lockout illegal, the PA will argue. 

Aaron Portzline reports, “NHL/NHLPA agreed to create a "waiver window - from now until midnight Saturday - so minor-league vets can be cleared and sent to minors.”