The New York Islanders have traded Michael Grabner to the Toronto Maple Leafs for forwards Taylor Beck and Carter Verhaeghe, defensemen Matt Finn and Tom Nilsson, and goaltender Christopher Gibson.
General Fanager is showing the Maple Leafs as now having just under $400,000 in cap space, though that is for 25 players (15 forwards, 8 defense and 2 goalies). They are showing the Islanders as now having $7.5 million in cap space for 23 players (14 forwards, 6 defense and 3 goalies)
Grabner was drafted 14th overall in the 2006 draft by the Canucks. He carries a $3 million salary cap hit and will be a UFA at the end of this season.
Beck was drafted 70th overall in the third round of the 2009 draft by the Predators.
Verhaeghe was drafted 82nd overall in the third round of the 2013 draft by the Maple Leafs.
Finn was drafted 35th overall in the second round of the 2012 draft by the Maple Leafs.
Nilsson was drafted 100th overall in the fourth round of the 2011 draft by the Maple Leafs.
Gibson was drafted 49th overall in the second round of the 2011 draft by the Kings.
James Mirtle: “That is an awful lot of prospects to give up for Grabner, but Leafs in position where they weren’t going to have room in AHL for everyone.”
Bob McKenzie: “Of the players TOR gave up, goalie Gibson may be most notable with best chance to get to NHL but TOR chose Sparks and Bibeau over him.”
Bob McKenzie: “As for NYI, Isles had learned to live without Grabner while he was injured and he’s being paid $5M this season on a $3M AAV. Major savings.”
Jonas Siegel: “Lamoriello on Grabner: “His speed pushed the defencemen back. He’s the type of player that what he has, you can’t teach.”
Justin Bourne: “Isles didn’t have room for Grabner in playoffs, owed him more than his cap hit (anti-Isles). Throw prospects at wall, see if 1 sticks thing?”
Scott Wheeler: “Grabner tied for first among #Isles forward in G/60 last season, despite finishing with just 8G in 34GP. Tied with Anders Lee, ahead of JT.”
What do you think of the trade?
Michael Grabner
Taylor Beck
Carter Verhaeghe
Matt Finn
Tom Nilsson
Christopher Gibson