Islanders: Kyle Dubas Did Exactly What Lou Lamoriello Did Last Year

It’s trade deadline day today, which is always a fun day in the hockey world. Last year, the Islanders made a big splash by trading for JG Pageau. Lou Lamoriello gave up a 1st, 2nd, and a conditional third for Pageau.

It was a lot, for sure, but he then immediately extended him to a six-year $30 million ($5 million AAV) deal. It ended up being exactly what the Islanders needed despite the outcry from the hockey world, especially Toronto.

Pageau ended up scoring eight playoff goals as the team went to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final. He’s also got 12 goals to his name so far this year. It’s safe to say it’s been a very good trade for the Islanders thus far.

But still, people had to get their dunks in on Lou Lamoriello for giving up a first for a third liner. Sure, that doesn’t tell the whole story but in a vacuum that is technically true. Well, yesterday, Kyle Dubas effectively did the same thing.

Dubas traded a first this year and two fourth-round picks for Nick Foligno. Foligno is 33 with 16 points (7 goals, 9 assists) in 42 games played. He’s pretty far removed from his 73 point season but if you’re looking for a middle-six forward who is good defensively, then he’s your guy.

Kyle Dubas hasn’t been crucified for this though. It’s been labeled as something that the Maple Leafs need, and if it works out and they win it won’t matter that they gave up the first. The odd part is I actually agree with that.

The Leafs gave up a lot, but they desperately needed a defensive-minded forward like him. Taylor Hall is the sexier name, but with the leafs forward group the last thing they need is another offensive player who gives you very little defensively.

But because it was Kyle Dubas who came to that conclusion and not a dinosaur like, Lou Lamoriello, the heat isn’t on nearly as high as it would’ve been if he was the one who pulled off the trade.

Since Kyle Dubas is under 40 and wears glasses, he gets billed as this analytic guru, when in fact this move goes against that exact thought process.

Again, I don’t even think this is a bad move for Toronto. It’s just to bring up that people are held to a different standard than others, which is ridiculous. The same people who were laughing at Lamoriello for trading for Pageau are now trying to spin zone the Foligno trade, which is pretty comical.