Eyes On Isles
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Islanders trade for needed depth defense in Andy Greene

By Michel Anderson

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 04: Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils prepares to play against the Colorado Avalanche at the Prudential Center on January 04, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 04: Andy Greene #6 of the New Jersey Devils prepares to play against the Colorado Avalanche at the Prudential Center on January 04, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The New York Islanders have acquired the depth defender they’ve been lacking for a while. And they got him from division rival New Jersey Devils.

The New York Islanders absolutely need scoring to improve their roster. On Sunday, Lou Lamoriello made only his second trade since taking over by bringing Andy Greene from the New Jersey Devils.

Greene isn’t a forward, but a 37-year-old defenseman. And like it or not, but he can be a much-needed breath of fresh air on the blueline since Adam Pelech had to sit out the season with an injury.

And all the Islanders had to give up was David Quenneville and a second-round pick in 2021.

Blue Line Support

Greene has been with the Devils since the 2005-06 season when then Devils GM Lou Lamoriello signed him as a free agent from Miami University.

That was 14 years ago and Greene is still playing big minutes for the Devils today. This season, the veteran is averaging just over 20 minutes of ice-time (20:07) in all situations. He also leads the Devils in terms of ice-time on the penalty kill.

Look, he’s not going to put up a ton of points. But Greene will help the Islanders when it comes to defending their zone and specifically helping their penalty kill.

With Adam Pelech out for the season, Cal Clutterbuck still not in game shape, and with Casey Cizikas gone for a few weeks, they need help on the penalty kill.

The price seems right for the Islanders. They move a defensive prospect they weren’t using and a second-round pick not in this year’s draft but the following year. And they get some much-needed help on the blueline even if it’s only for this year (Greene only has one-year on a deal holding a $5 million AAV).

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Look, I know that the New York Islanders need help scoring goals, but with the way this team plays they need help on the blueline. Without a solid blue line, the house of cards around the Barry Trotz system comes tumbling down. This is a good deal for the Isles.

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