Thursday, June 22, 2017

New York Islanders Off-Season: Islanders Acquire Eberle for Strome


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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