Trade Deadline Day: New York Islanders Edition

Per Katie Strang, "GM Garth Snow said he felt this trade deadline was "very quiet."  Snow continued, "There wasn't the same action you usually see at the trade deadline."

Katie Strang adds, "Only fair to point out the list of names moved in past week: Callahan, St. Louis, Luongo, Gaborik, Moulson, Miller, Halak, etc."  In addition, "Snow said MTL deal was their best offer "by far" and that Is, les felt "very fortunate" to have made that trade."

 

Snow had showed a decent eye using the waiver wire or grabbing dark horse prospects to fill holes in the organization.  While this is a good thing to pull off once in a while, a GM should never use it as a go to method to bring new blood into a team he sees as on the rise.  Successful organizations develop talent and then add quality veteran pieces to rise in prominence.  To initiate a "Shift in Power," as it were.

Several good goalies were traded over the last few weeks for not much in return.  The Islanders had a great opportunity to "audition" at least one of them this season with a move over the past few weeks, but chose not to do so.  A mistake in my mind.
 

On February 6th, Garth Snow got only a 4th round pick for 2 of his three free agent signings (Bouchard & Regin) when he dealt them to the Chicago Blackhawks.  While I guess its better to get back an asset for two players who failed to live up to their perceived "potential," the main issue I had was the lack of success the team had in free agency. They even seemed forced to made an immediate Nabokov resigning because all other quality goaltenders were taken off the market before their eyes.  These were the Islanders big July 1st Free Agent acquisitions.  While I think Bouchard was a bust, Regin had his place as a defensive forward and PK specialist, but again, didn't pan out.  So over all, I think this move made the best of a bad situation.  Better quality signings must be made on July 1st if an Islanders team intends to move forward and be taken seriously.

The 1st Isles deadline type trade that went down happened on Tuesday.  Andrew MacDonald has been sent to the Philadelphia Flyers for 2014 3rd-round pick, 2015 2nd-round pick & C, Matt Mangene.

A '14 3rd round pick and '15 2nd round pick are a decent return for MacDonald who was a career Isles product from the start.  Known for his shot blocking and strong defensive play, MacDonald's play took a hit this year after the team had him as a top pairing defensemen and a regular on special teams.  He seemed to miss assignments and make mistakes regularly this season, attracting the ire of Isles country.  Early in February, Andrew MacDonald turned down a 4-year, $16 million deal from the Islanders.  After that, it was clear that MacDonald needed to be traded or be lost in free agency.  Matt Mangene can be given some time in Stockton or on Bridgeport to see what he can contribute if given the opportunity.  I am ok with this deal.
 

Fast forwarding to today, while I was surprised the way deadline day went by, I saw a few good trades, a few sad trades and some others that didn't really stand out to me.  I did notice how prices were lower and it seemed to be a buyers deadline.  It seemed very few 2nd or 3rd rd picks were traded away, and some key players looked difficult to move.

I was psyched when the Isles got Thomas Vanek, even though the cost was high.  Other were angry Moulson was let go with a '14 or '15 1st rd pick (Isles choice) and a '15 2nd rd pick, some just didn't like the move because of the cost for a rental, even if he was an elite forward in the NHL.  I understand that Mgmt. has better success signing a player after they have been assimilated into the organization, so it was a gamble they would take.  Vanek's eventual success with JT on the top line was great to see and he seemed to be embracing his time here.  But soon enough, he leaked to the press that he still had a desire to test being a UFA.  This took a lot of bargaining power from Snow and the Islanders organization in any possible trade scenarios.  It was a move made with good intentions, but ultimately, mishandled by Snow. 

I wrote the following blurb February 4th on Vanek's rejection of the Isles contract offer:

Per KoC, "Thomas Vanek recently turned down a contract offer from the Islanders.  Apparently the offer was similar to the one Vanek turned down from Buffalo in the neighborhood of 7 yrs, $50 M. It is also rumored that the Isles weren't done in negotiations and could have offered more in term and length if he was interested, but Vanek wants to test his UFA status and some say, sign with Minnesota."

It was obvious, Vanek needed to be moved to try and recoup the 1st and 2nd round picks given up with Matt Moulson to acquire Vanek from Buffalo.

The second Isles trade came to light today, after late trades trickled in after the 3PM deadline.  Thomas Vanek (and a 5th round Isles pick if MTL makes the playoffs) has been sent to the Montreal Canadiens for Sebastian Collberg and a 2014 2nd round selection (if MTL makes the playoffs).  So, if MTL misses the playoffs, the Islanders got Collberg for Vanek.  No, seriously.  I realize the climate was barren today, but I cant help but feel what the rest of Isles country is feeling on this trade.  Angry and embarrassed.  Even with all the factors in play, to get so little for Vanek was puzzling indeed.  As one of the premier forwards available, Snow wasn't even able to deal or package Vanek to get more than Buffalo got for fan favorite, Matt Moulson (packaged w/ Cody McCormick, Buffalo got a '14 & '16 2nd rd pick and F, Torrey Mitchell.)  Moulson, the very player the Isles traded to get Vanek garnered more for the Sabers, and increased their assets after everything was said and done.  Bad trade for the Organization.

Per Arthur Staple," Couple quotes from Thomas Vanek just before he departed: "That line, with Okie and Johnny, it was the best line I ever played on."

Per Bryan Curran, "By the transitive property, Moulson a 1st and 2nd for a 2nd and a prospect. Enron was run better than this team." 

Sebastian Collberg is a minor league prospect included in the deal.  The following was tweeted by my colleagues on Collberg:

Per Arthur Staple, “Collberg, 20, was Habs 2nd round pick in 2012. Plays for Frolunda in Swedish League.”

B.D. Gallof adds, “Collberg was someone they chased during the draft and missed when MTL took him. They in turn took Ville Pokka."

“Collberg was considered by many a 1st rd value who went in the early 2nd rd. something to consider when done with hissy fits.”

“final scouting reports on Isles Collberg rated: THN & McKeens: 14, Red Line Report: 22, central #3 European, ISS: 11, TSN: 28, overall.”

Per Eric Hornick, "Pierre McGuire referred to Sebastian Colberg as a "B-level" prospect. Hopefully the B Becomes an A."

Hopefully, Collberg with be the silver lining in a trade we all want to forget, but will never be able to erase from our minds.  We will file it away with all the other embarrassments and punch lines Isles fans are subjected to, year in and year out for doing nothing but being faithful fans.  Fans to the ruin of a once great franchise that has so many things going for it, but seems to falter and fail every time it is called upon to defend its honor.

 Per Matt Saidman, " fans, I hope you stick by your boys on the ice. They play their asses off for you every game and deserve support. Don't abandon them."

I beLIeve in the crest and support the players who wear my colors. 

Travis Mills in the ceremonial face off for the Islanders on 1/27.

Isles Notes:

Eric Boulton suffered a broken hand in last nights game. Mike Halmo & Matt Donovan have been recalled from the BST.  

Per The Goalie Guild, "As if Snow wasn't under enough pressure, his goaltending situation is pretty murky. Nabokov (37) an UFA, Nilsson and Poulin are RFA's."

"Should point out that Nilsson went 7-1-0 with a 2.38 GAA and .918 SV% in February for Bridgeport. Before that, he was 2-7-1 in previous 10."

Per Darryl Hunt, "BTW, not to get lost in the NHL trade deadline, but NHL players not on AHL rosters at 3pm EST are ineligible for the AHL for rest of season.

TSN's trade list.

Per HockeyRumors&Trades, Pending UFA's.