NHL Free Agency: Islanders replace John Tavares with Leo Komarov
New York Islanders find John Tavares’ replacement, sign Leo Komarov to a four-year deal. Take that, Toronto.
The Toronto Maple Leafs may have stolen John Tavares from the New York Islanders, but fear not Islanders fans. Lou Lamoriello got his revenge by swiping Leo Komarov from Toronto.
The trade is one-for-one.
Komarov saw the Islanders sitting on their couch, eating ice cream out of the container, and decided now would be the perfect opportunity to cash in. He gets a slight raise from the $2.9 million he was making last season in Toronto. The 31-year-old forward produced 19 points for the Maple Leafs in 2017-18.
That may not sound like many points to the casual observer, but let’s not forget that he was playing behind the likes of William Nylander and James van Riemsdyk. He’ll be the go-to guy on the Island, ready to step in and replace the 84 points Tavares left behind.
Leo Komarov to the NYI, four years, AAV of $3M. Yearly breakdown is $4M, $3.5M, $2.5M and $2M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2018
The Islanders had cap space to spend once Tavares left town and I guess there are worse ideas than giving Komarov $3 million a season? A four-year deal is one year too many, but when you’re a scorned lover trying to get back at your ex and his new boo, you do dumb things.
However, if this is New York’s idea of rebuilding, or even re-tooling, they are doing it wrong. There’s little upside with Komarov at his age. They would be better off giving ice-time to a younger forward if they’re rebuilding or throwing all their money at James Neal if they’re re-tooling.
Next: Leafs fans restore balance post-jersey burnings with custom Tavares orders
I never want to second guess Sweet Lou and won’t doubt Barry Trotz and his ability to get the most out of his players. But they seem shook right now. Somewhere, Peter Chiarelli and Marc Bergevin are toasting.