The Islanders have a lot of work to do before they get back to respectability, and they seem determined to do that by compiling as many draft picks as possible.
They picked up another first rounder yesterday, when GM Garth Snow shipped center Mike Comrie and defenseman Chris Campoli to Ottawa in exchange for San Jose’s 2009 first-round pick and Senators forward Dean McAmmond.
“We’re excited that we are able to add another piece to our rebuilding plans while bringing in someone like Dean who will provide additional depth for our team,” Snow said in a statement.
Comrie had been a disappointment this season, struggling with a hip injury and trying to fit into coach Scott Gordon’s system. He had just seven goals before the trade, so the Isles will not lose much. Comrie, in fact, had made more headlines for his relationship with gal pal Hillary Duff than anything he has done on the ice lately.
And Campoli hadn’t flourished in his first season under Gordon either, and wasn’t pleased with his role.
The organization has made clear it is committed to getting younger, and though its league-worst record assures the Isles of a high draft pick this year, the one they have picked up from the Sharks will be one of the last of the first round.
The 35-year-old McAmmond doesn’t figure to fit into the Isles’ future, but he does have an expiring contract.
The NHL’s trade deadline isn’t until March 4, and the Isles likely will look to unload more veterans before then.