New York Acquires D James Wisniewski For Conditional Third Rd Pick

Before we get to the trade, the Islanders website reported on the passing of long-time fan Bill Hayes here with a very classy feature.

I remember Mr Hayes at the games for many years, and express condolences to his family. His love and passion for the New York Islanders will never be forgotten.
*******************************************
Islanders website: Reports the New York Islanders have acquired James Wisniewski from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional third round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, GM Garth Snow comments.

Orange County Register: Eric Stephens, has comments from Anaheim General Manager, Bob Murray on why he made this trade, along with the newest Islander.

Wisniewski's comments:
“This year, if you look at it, it was all injuries that kept us out of the playoffs in my opinion. And they didn’t feel I was worth it but hopefully the Islanders can see the potential that I have and maybe it’ll be great for my career. It’s another chapter in my life.”

The draft pick is optional in nature as the Islanders have until June 1 to give the Ducks their own third-round selection or Colorado’s third-round pick that they acquired in a prior deal. NHL.com reported that the trade is conditional upon Wisniewski passing a physical by 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday.

Tsn.ca: Scott Cullen breaks down trade from both sides.

NYIFC Comments:
I'm frankly shocked on a lot of levels. No doubt a steal for Garth Snow from a club that did not want to take on that kind of salary, but still signed the player before suddenly moving him.

I did follow Wisniewski's negotiations here before he resigned and felt he received above his market value, but you almost never see a signing to avoid arbitration, followed by an immediate trade.

Reminds everyone this is a business, some felt this player would receive more than he signed for in arbitration. Was Bob Murray that interested in conditional third, when he could have walked away from an award or simply not qualified him?

As for Garth Snow, his defense improved a great deal in the physical department, and adds a top four defender with twenty minute ability. It also likely sets up what will be another trade given his depth chart.

Mark Eaton is a big defender, but not an overly physical player, Wisniewski brings that element at a young age missing from this backline, but is not big in terms of size.

Wisniewski will be an UFA next summer, but a very good move by Garth Snow.

Would be fun to see Matt Martin, Wisniewski, Travis Hamonic & Zenon Konopka knocking teams around.

Downside with this move is the new NHL rules on hits to the head, plus this player being a repeat offender in terms of suspensions (once for eight games here) means Islanders will lose his services for a long time if he is suspended again.

The days of Gary Roberts charging in from center ice for a head shot in 2002 playoffs against Kenny Jonsson, with no suspension are over.

Does this mean Anaheim will claim Brendan Witt's salary in exchange off unconditional waivers? Not likely, but it may set the table for another future deal between the clubs. Cam Fowler was signed and they have Bobby Ryan to sign along with filling out their roster.