Garth Snow made a few waves yesterday and he didnt stop today. In the first major event of the day following the expansion draft, our New York
Islanders acquired Jordan Eberle from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Ryan Strome. Eberle scored 51 points (20 & 31) in 82 games last season. It's his
4th straight season of scoring 20 goals or more (28, 24,25,20) and has tallied
382 points in his 7 seasons as an Oiler. The 27 year old Eberle comes to the
Islanders with a $6M cap hit over Strome at $2.5M. This and any other moves to
be made, made it necessary for Garth Snow to move Grabovski’s $5M out of New
York’s cap. He also plays at a higher level and is strong on the power play.
Something the Islanders desperately need.
"We're
excited to add a proven offensive weapon like Jordan to our lineup," said
Snow. "He brings speed and a knack for scoring not only consistently, but
scoring big goals, in big games. Jordan brings leadership and experience into
our room, qualities that will continue to help us build towards our goals of
being a consistent playoff contender and winning the Stanley
Cup."
Jordan Eberle
was Edmonton’s 22nd overall selection in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry
Draft. As an alternate Captain for the Oil and a 2 time All-Star, Eberle should
help the Islanders with the skill, leadership and depth they need in a player
slotted as a top 6 forward. Internationally, Eberle won a Gold with John
Tavares at the WJC tournament in 2009 and helped Canada to a Silver with an MVP
performance in 2010.
We all know how
good Ryan Strome can be. But the truth is that he has struggled with
consistency and of the talented young forwards, would most likely be the one to
be moved. Strome (Isles 5th overall pick in 2011) leaves the Islanders with 126
points in 4 NHL seasons. When the team needs to take the next step, its hard as
a fan to see certain players move on, but it takes an asset to gain one. Eberle
seems to be a better fit for the Islanders and if his chemistry meshes, should
thrive on the 1st or 2nd line. It is well documented that Eberle and new Isles
assistant coach, Kelly Buchberger have a not-so-rosy history, but that
shouldn’t matter moving forward. Its Doug Weight’s team and Eberle can come to
another top market and continue his career making a bigger name for himself in
New York with long-time friend, John Tavares and revel in a change of scenery. He makes a
difference on the ice and as it stands now, an upgrade offensively for the
Islanders.
Eberle: "I'm
super excited to be a part of the Islanders organization. Also grateful for the
chance the Oilers gave me coming into the NHL ... The
Islanders are a storied franchise, a lot of winning past. You want to bring
that love of the game back to the fans … The Islanders are a tough
team to play against and have a lot of potential. I'm excited to be part of
that."
The rumors for
Duchene, Galchenyuk, Neal and JVR continue to swirl. I like the trade, but is
Snow done?
Probably not.
Isles Notes:
Per Pierre LeBrun:
"I don't sense any urgency, that they feel they have to move Travis
Hamonic. But I think they'll do it for the right move."
Per Bob McKenzie:
"There's word on the street that maybe the #Isles are asking for as
much as two first-round picks" for Hamonic.
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