Jon Jordan

2013 Years Old • Male

Islanders/Lightning: Trade Partners?

Perhaps my Islander pal B.D. Gallof will chime in on this issue, but as I simultaneously watched both the Red Wings/Lightning and Rangers/Islanders games last night, I had a passing thought that made more than a little sense (I know ... crazy ... but it does happen sometimes!)

Having lost Dan Boyle for at least the first month of the regular season and in dire need of some help on defense (even <i><b>before</b></i> the Boyle injury, arguably), the Lightning are looking to make a deal and have already contacted a handful of teams.

The Islanders have Bryan Berard in camp on a tryout basis and an already crowded blueline with Chris Campoli, Bruno Gervais, Aaron Johnson and Freddy Meyer vying for the 6th defense spot on the roster. Berard has played well, most notably last night with 3 assists, looking rather effective quarterbacking the power play alongside Marc-Andre Bergeron and his rocket shot.

None of the Islander d-men that would possibly be available - Campoli, Gervais, Johnson or Meyer - are number 1, Dan Boyle-type defensemen, of course, but are any of them any more attractive options for Tampa than who they already have (Doug Janik, Bryce Lampman, Mike Lundin and Matt Smaby) looking to land a roster spot?

If I'm Tampa, I'm looking at making a pitch for Campoli who could be the odd man out with the Isles simply because he is the most tradable of the bunch. There are those, however, who see Campoli as a future # 1 guy, so the Islanders would probably be looking for a decent return, as in a roster player, if they moved him. Again ... already crowded on defense, a forward would more than likely be sought in any exchange. Unfortunately, from Tampa's current roster, no clear names stand out right now. If injuries, specifically to Chris Gratton and Michel Ouellet, work themselves out, some fringe guys could find themselves available.

Food for thought, though maybe no one's hungry.

One last thought ... in case you forgot, it should have only taken last night to remind you ... Marty St. Louis has one <i><b>hell</b></i> of a shot ...

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