NY Islanders acquire Harvard defenseman Ryan Healey from the Minnesota Wild for cash

After spending two days listening to Mathieu Darche talk about how active the New York Islanders had been on the phones without actually completing a deal, the organization finally made a move on Saturday. No, it wasn't the blockbuster trade some fans were hoping for. It wasn't a veteran forward, a goalie or a top prospect. Instead, the Islanders quietly added some defensive depth to their prospect pipeline, acquiring defenseman Ryan Healey from the Minnesota Wild for future considerations.

Hey, a trade is a trade.

Healey, 22, was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft after a strong season with the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede. After being drafted, he spent the last four seasons at Harvard, where he developed into a steady two-way defenseman. His best offensive season came during his sophomore campaign in 2023-24, when he recorded 22 points in 29 games. This past season, he posted four goals and eight assists in 34 games while completing his collegiate eligibility.

The timing of the move is what makes it interesting.

Because Healey has exhausted his NCAA eligibility, the Islanders now have until August 15 to decide whether to sign him to an entry-level contract. By acquiring his rights now, they'll get a chance to evaluate him up close at development camp before making that decision. If they like what they see, he'll likely begin his professional career next season with the newly relocated Hamilton Hammers.

Sometimes finding organizational depth means taking a chance on a player another team wasn't sure about. And technically speaking, Mathieu Darche can now say the Islanders did make a trade this weekend after all.

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