Islanders greatly improve D; trade for Boychuk and Leddy

[FLPensFan]

Wow, Islanders biggest weakness was their defense. Now with both Leddy and Boychuk, their defense is much improved. Another team to watch out for.

http://www.tsn.ca/islanders-acquire-def ... dy-1.98976

[largegarlic]

Wow is right. With these moves and having gotten Halak earlier, they've drastically improved their defense and goaltending. It seems like they'll be in the mix for the playoffs.

[columbia]

Scuderi "fans", please note that this greatly cuts into your idea of trading him to the Islanders.

[profpolisci]

Yes.

Prior to today I didn't consider them a playoff team and was glad that the bum Kulemin and the over-rated Grabo didn't land with on my favorite team. Leddy and Boychuck seem a substantial upgrade.

Mikey, why did the Hawks let Leddy go? Cap?

[tfrizz]

Yes.

Prior to today I didn't consider them a playoff team and was glad that the bum Kulemin and the over-rated Grabo didn't land with on my favorite team. Leddy and Boychuck seem a substantial upgrade.

Mikey, why did the Hawks let Leddy go? Cap?

Yeah, cap. Now that they're free of Leddy's $2.7m, they've got about 800k in cap space.

[tfrizz]

Wow is right. With these moves and having gotten Halak earlier, they've drastically improved their defense and goaltending. It seems like they'll be in the mix for the playoffs.

Needless to say, the Metro just got a whole lot tougher. The Isles are a legit playoff team now, IMO.

[shmenguin]

Wow is right. With these moves and having gotten Halak earlier, they've drastically improved their defense and goaltending. It seems like they'll be in the mix for the playoffs.

Needless to say, the Metro just got a whole lot tougher. The Isles are a legit playoff team now, IMO.

Columbus will be in the dumps again so it'll be a wash.

[pcm]

Garth snow really doesnt want to give buffalo a lottery pick.

[meow]

I'm not really feeling these moves if I'm an Islanders fan. Leddy as tools and talent, but he's never really put it all together yet. I love what he brings to a team, but as a third pairing guy. Boychuk has played behind Chara his entire career and in Boston 's system, which makes the hilariously bad defensive Torey Krug look like a capable defender.

Solid trade that improves the team, but doesn't jump them too many standings spots.

[Lt. Dish]

I'm not really feeling these moves if I'm an Islanders fan. Leddy as tools and talent, but he's never really put it all together yet. I love what he brings to a team, but as a third pairing guy. Boychuk has played behind Chara his entire career and in Boston 's system, which makes the hilariously bad defensive Torey Krug look like a capable defender.

Solid trade that improves the team, but doesn't jump them too many standings spots.

I think the moves greatly improve the team.

Although Miami Vice is still the coach (for the first 20 games, maybe, and then FHCDB takes over). So who knows?

[MalkinIsMyHomeboy]

How long do they have each for?

If they're just one year rentals the trades are idiotic.

[pcm]

The Islanders may be the greatest improved team this offseason. I could see them having a breakout season similar to the Avs last year. As in, they might even win the division.

[pcm]

Leddy's an rfa, Boychuk is ufa.

[no name]

It might be my ignorance but its hard to take the Islanders seriously. Just like Islanders and seriously shouldn't be in the same sentence. Unless you are saying "they are seriously bad."

I am a big Tavares fan and do hope that team gets into the playoffs.

[MalkinIsMyHomeboy]

Leddy's an rfa, Boychuk is ufa.

The Leddy trade seems solid but I don't understand giving up a bunch of picks for Boychuk who I would be surprised if he signs with the Isles. This make them a playoff team but a Cup contender? No way.

[tfrizz]

Leddy's an rfa, Boychuk is ufa.

The Leddy trade seems solid but I don't understand giving up a bunch of picks for Boychuk who I would be surprised if he signs with the Isles. This make them a playoff team but a Cup contender? No way.

Buffalo owns their first rounder. If they miss the playoffs, that's another lottery pick for the Sabres. What they've doing is brought in "lottery insurance", so to speak.

[mikey287]

I like these moves actually. In a vacuum, they added to their defense in a big way. I love Leddy's tools - as meow mentioned - I think he's one of the best skaters in the NHL. He can move the puck, you just wonder if the increased minutes and talent-against will be a little overwhelming, especially with not as much forward support as he's used to...

Boychuk will do fine if he doesn't have to lead a pairing...

[DelPen]

By far the best team the Isles have put together since the 90's. They need their top guys to stay healthy and there is pressure now on Capuano for success, he has a real team now to coach but I'm not sold he's a real coach so that could be their biggest weakness this year.