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The New York Islanders made a trade last week, had prospects named to World Juniors rosters and will likely see changes in their division, due to the realignment. Here are the updates for the week of Dec. 7-13.
ISLANDERS’ POTENTIAL 2020-21 DIVISION REPORTED
Last week, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun gave us a look at what the division realignment could look like the 2020-21 NHL season. The Islanders could potentially be in a division with Boston, Buffalo, New Jersey, the New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington.
ISLANDERS ACQUIRE DMYTRO TIMASHOV
The New York Islanders acquired Dmytro Timashov from the Detroit Red Wings, in exchange for future considerations. Timashov had nine points in 44 games last season, a year in which he played primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs, before being claimed by Detroit.
MATIAS RAJANIEMI NAMED TO FINLAND’S WJC ROSTER
One of two Islanders prospects named to a World Juniors roster was Matias Rajaniemi. He’ll be one of eight defenders representing Finland at the tournament.
SIMON HOLMSTROM MAKES SWEDEN’S WJC TEAM
The other Islanders prospect set to compete in the tournament is Simon Holmstrom. Holmstrom will be playing for Team Sweden and will be playing in his first World Juniors.
As for this week’s poll questions, here are the results and my thoughts on how they turned out:
QUESTION: If the reported realignment is the one we see this season, how do you feel about the level of competition within the Islanders’ division?
(Votes: 183)
Slightly more competitive: 38%
Significantly more competitive: 32%
Similar level of competition: 22%
Slightly less competitive: 6%
Significantly less competitive: 2%
I’m not prepared to say the Metropolitan Division will be significantly more competitive but I do think it’ll be somewhat more competitive. Boston is a huge addition to the division and while Buffalo recently hasn’t been an overly strong team, I do think the Boston/Buffalo duo is stronger competition than the Carolina/Columbus duo.
QUESTION: What do you think Dmytro Timashov's role will be with the Islanders?
(Votes: 317)
Doesn’t start the season with the Islanders: 43%
In and out of the lineup: 32%
Bottom-six forward: 25%
I think it’s pretty up in the air as to what Timashov’s role is with the Islanders. Personally, I think he starts as a spare on the roster.
QUESTION: Are you surprised that Matias Rajaniemi made Finland’s final WJC roster?
(Votes: 24)
Yes: 79%
No: 21%
It wasn’t necessarily shocking to see Rajaniemi make Finland’s roster but I agree that it was a bit surprising. He’s a prospect that doesn’t come to mind when you talk about the Islanders’ prospect pool and one that most fans probably haven’t gotten to watch very much.
QUESTION: Are you surprised that Simon Holmstrom made Sweden’s final WJC roster?
(Votes: 66)
No: 77%
Yes: 23%
Holmstrom wasn’t a lock to make the team but he was a good bet to earn a spot. After playing professional hockey for the last season and a half, it’ll be interesting to see how he performs against players his own age.
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OTHER ISLANDERS ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Re-signing Andy Greene has become more important for Islanders
Islanders should try to avoid trading draft picks going forward
Simon Holmstrom named to Sweden’s preliminary WJC roster
Matias Rajaniemi named to Finland’s preliminary WJC roster
Weekly Recap: Islanders Edition (December 6)
Nick Leddy is likely to have an increased role on New York's power play
Does a division realignment help or hurt the Islanders?
Islanders acquire Dmytro Timashov
Matias Rajaniemi named to Finland’s final World Juniors roster
Simon Holmstrom named to Sweden's final World Juniors roster 
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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