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New York Islanders Trade Target Philipp Grubauer Gone To Colorado

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 27: Goalie Philipp Grubauer #31 of the Washington Capitals tends the net against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at Capital One Arena on February 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 27: Goalie Philipp Grubauer #31 of the Washington Capitals tends the net against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at Capital One Arena on February 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The name that kept coming up as the New York Islanders primary goaltending trade target was Philipp Grubauer, and now he’s gone to the Colorado Avalanche.

The name everyone had on their lips going into the draft as the target for the New York Islanders next starting goalie was Philipp Grubauer. The young backup had great numbers, a Stanley Cup ring, and was totally available. And the Colorado Avalanche picked him up.

Just a half hour before the 2018 NHL Entry Draft started the Washington Capitals announced that Grubauer, along with defenseman Brooks Orpik were traded to the Colorado Avalanche for a second-round pick.

Colorado took on 37-year-old Brooks Orpik’s big $5.5 million contract on along with RFA Grubauer. And in return, they sent the Capitals their 47th overall pick in the 2018 draft. If taking Grubauer meant having to take Orpik, then I’m glad the Islanders stayed away.

No Room For Dead Weight

This entire offseason has been about getting rid of deadweight. Both Garth Snow and Doug Weight were let go weeks after President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello was hired. Both had been underperforming in their respective roles. Both had to go.

Bringing on $5.5 million of dead weight from Orpik’s deal is a no go. The Islanders are beyond a dumping ground for bloated contracts and players that can’t pull their weight.

Maybe if it meant a greater return, say, Braden Holtby, maybe then it’s worth taking a big deal as a form of compensation to the other team. But with Grubauer there was no guarantee he was going to be able to reproduce what he had done in 35 games over a 50-60 game sample.

How would bringing in Brooks Orpik look to John Tavares? How would Brooks Orpik help the New York Islanders terrible defense? He wouldn’t have.

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I’m glad the Islanders stayed away from this deal. Taking Orpik would send the wrong message and runs afoul of everything this new management group has put into motion since they arrived. Hopefully, this means they’re after bigger fish.

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