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New York Islanders Trades That Built 2018-19 Roster

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: (l-r) Mathew Barzal #13, Anthony Beauvillier #72, Jordan Eberle #7 and Dennis Seidenberg #4 of the New York Islanders celebrate a first period goal by Beauvillier at the Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: (l-r) Mathew Barzal #13, Anthony Beauvillier #72, Jordan Eberle #7 and Dennis Seidenberg #4 of the New York Islanders celebrate a first period goal by Beauvillier at the Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – FEBRUARY 18: Johnny Boychuk #55 and Nick Leddy #2 of the New York Islanders in action against the New Jersey Devils on February 18, 2017 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Islanders 3-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk

In 2014, the New York Islanders didn’t have much defense to speak of. Their best defenseman was probably Andrew MacDonald. And MacDonald was traded at the 2014 deadline for Matt Mangene a second in 2015, and a third in 2014.

The Islanders needed defenders for the 2014-15 season. And on October 4th, 2014, Garth Snow did just that. In two separate trades, Garth brought in two top pair defenders.

First to arrive was Johnny Boychuk. The Isles recognized that the Bruins weren’t going to have the cap space to re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent defenseman and 2011 Stanley Cup winner Boychuk, so they sent the Bruins a few picks for him.

Then not long afterward the Islanders sent a package of prospects to the Chicago Blackhawks for smooth skating defenseman Nick Leddy.

Within a single day and giving up no quality from the actual playing roster or any future value in the form of NHL ready prospects or high-value draft picks, the Islanders had a top pair for their blueline.

Along with Travis Hamonic and Thomas Hickey the Islanders had a good top four defensive unit with the addition of Leddy and Boychuk. Say what you will about Garth as a GM, but October 4th, 2014 was one of his finer moments.

Rating: 4.5/5

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