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New York Islanders Turned Down An Offer With James van Riemsdyk

By Matt O'Leary

Apr 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Islanders traded away Travis Hamonic for draft picks but supposedly there was another offer on the table that Garth Snow turned down.

As we already know, the New York Islanders traded their top-four defenseman Travis Hamonic and a fourth-round pick to the Calgary Flames for a first-round pick and two second-round picks. On the surface, this is a trade that helps the Isles for the future.

According to Arthur Staple there was reportedly another offer that included James van Riemsdyk but the Isles passed on it. If the deal was truly available, why wouldn’t the Isles go for a deal to help them in the now?

From the first trade with Vegas to create cap space that included a first-round pick and Mikhail Grabovski it looked like the Islanders were going all-in for the now. They followed that up with Jordan Eberle which was another move that would help out the present day Islanders.

Related Story: What Are The Isles Getting Out Of Jordan Eberle?

Here’s what JVR brings to the table:

Coming off a 62 point season he could’ve had some value playing alongside John Tavares and Jordan Eberle. If they did go the JVR route instead maybe your top two lines look a little something like this:

van Riemsdyk – Tavares – Eberle

Lee – Barzal – Ho-Sang

I’d take that any day. The issue, I guess in this case is that van Riemsdyk isn’t a center which is certainly a position of need in the top-six. But, at this point in time I’d take anyone who you can plug in your top-six and expect to put up 60 points.

The only argument I could see being made is if Garth Snow then flips these picks in a trade for another forward. If he just keeps these picks it’s a huge mistake.

Next: Variety Of Second Line Center Options

Jordan Eberle is a great first step put to put the Isles over the top they are going to need another move if they want to compete in the very competitive Metropolitan Division. So, if it’s all a plan to help land Matt Duchene I’ll keep my mouth shut. But, if it’s truly just for the picks I think it’s fair to question why not go with the proven NHL player.

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