Without a confirmation or denial yesterday, the Islanders recognized a report out of Columbus that revealed a proposed draft-day trade with the Blue Jackets on an almost unprecedented scale.
The deal was said to have the Islanders offer all seven of their picks in last week’s NHL Draft — including the No. 4 overall selection — for the Blue Jackets’ No. 2 overall pick. It was first reported on the website of the Columbus Post-Dispatch.
With the pick, the Blue Jackets took defenseman Ryan Murray, said to be the only NHL-ready blueliner available.
Islanders general manager Garth Snow admitted before the draft his team’s biggest need was pro-level defensemen, and at No. 4 he selected Griffin Reinhart, rated the fifth-best blueliner in the draft by NHL central scouting.
“We do not comment on things of this nature,” was how their statement read yesterday. “We’re extremely happy with all of our selections and look forward to their continued development as a part of our organization’s future.”
With rounds two through seven, the Islanders continued to pick defensemen, making every one of their seven picks — Nos. 4, 34, 65, 103, 125, 155 and 185 — all blue-chip blueliners. They only have three regular defensemen from last year’s team returning — Travis Hamonic, Andrew MacDonald and Mark Streit — and Snow said he expects at least one of his previous defensive draft picks not yet able to stick at the NHL level to make the team out of training camp.
Although this draft was regarded to be a shallow one compared to years past, Snow has always been adamant about his team’s scouting philosophy.
“Our track record is identifying a player and going to get him,” he said last week. “We have a track record of moving up and down or standing pat depending on which player we identify as to be the best for us.”
Another report, out of Nashville, said moments before the draft started, Snow walked up to Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson and dropped a piece of paper on the table.
Snow was unavailable for comment.