In a season filled with losses, injuries and various other calamities, it should probably come as no surprise that the days before the trade deadline have also been a fiasco for the Islanders.
Bill Guerin was not present again yesterday when the Isles had an optional practice, as the team tries to work out a deal for its captain. If they don’t before today’s 3 p.m. deadline, Guerin is set to remain an Islander.
At this point, anything is possible.
“I know it’s been tough on him,” said center Doug Weight, Guerin’s closest friend on the team. “It’s been a crazy year and the last 48 hours it’s been a real hard situation, actually 72 hours, the situation has spun out of control a little bit with him and it’s unfortunate.”
On Saturday night, when Guerin was taken out of the lineup immediately prior to the Islanders’ game against Buffalo, a move seemed imminent. But in recent days, that has become considerably less clear.
“It’s all coming to a head and the good thing is, [today] it will all be over,” Weight said. “I know he’s frustrated a little bit, but who wouldn’t be? To be at home, not knowing where you’re going and not having a team to go to? That’s hard.”
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Winger Jon Sim was placed on waivers yesterday for the second time this season, one day after a three-assist game. He can be claimed by noon today.