Islanders Free Agency Roundup

The Islanders’ free agency has started out slowly, but GM Lou Lamoriello is steadily working to keep the roster intact. New York is in cap trouble, with restricted free agent and all-star Matthew Barzal in need of a new contract, along with the Isles needing that extra piece to push them over the edge. Here are the biggest moves the Islanders have made so far.

Devon Toews to Colorado Avalanche

The Islanders’ free agency has started with them trading away the defenceman they picked at 108th in 2014, Devon Toews. Toews has been seen as someone with the potential to make a breakout, similar to Adam Pelech, but that hasn’t come just yet. Whilst he generally made a positive impact on the blue line with a +/- of 1, he was still a fringe starter for the Islanders throughout the playoffs. New York has received Colorado’s 2021 and 2022 2nd round picks in exchange for the unsigned RFA.

#Isles announce they've traded RFA D Devon Toews to COL for 2021 2nd and 2022 2nd round picks.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) October 12, 2020

Andy Greene to re-sign with New York?

When Lou Lamoriello tells the media what he is doing behind the scenes, he is going to do it. Lamoriello has told the media that “there’s a strong chance that [Andy Greene] will be back in some role.” This all but confirms the rumours that Greene is planning on signing a short-term contract to keep the Islanders’ 2020 conference runners-up team intact.

Lou on Andy Greene possibly coming back "there's a strong chance that Andy will be back in some role" #Isles

— Peter Schwartz (@SchwartzSports) October 12, 2020

Andy Greene is a veteran presence on the blue line that the Islanders traded for at the deadline to fill the hole left by Adam Pelech’s injury. Due to the COVID-19 hiatus on the NHL season, Pelech was able to return for playoff action in the Toronto bubble. Greene still proved his immense value to the Islanders, helping them make the Eastern Conference Finals, the first time since 1993.

Cory Schneider and Islanders “close to deal”

With the departure of Thomas Griess and Christopher Gibson, the Islanders currently have three goaltenders total in their system. This has led to Lou looking elsewhere for options. The New Jersey Devils have just bought out Cory Schneider’s contract after seven years playing in their system. Schneider was earmarked as legendary Martin Brodeur’s successor, but after one playoff appearance with no series victories, that prophecy proved to be false. Schneider will likely play with the Isles’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Hearing that the Islanders are finalizing a deal with UFA netminder Cory Schneider. There's the obvious connection there between Schneider and Isles GM Lou Lamoriello. Happy to see Schneider, 34, get a chance to continue his career. One of the good guys in the game.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 12, 2020

John Smark