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Considering this week included not only the NHL Draft but also the start of free agency, the New York Islanders had a relatively quiet week. Here are the notable updates:
ISLANDERS MAKE MINOR TRADE WITH AVALANCHE
Today, the Islanders acquired forward A.J. Greer from the Colorado Avalanche, in exchange for defenseman Kyle Burroughs. Greer is 23 years old and scored 32 points in 47 AHL games this season and while it's a minor deal, I think if anything, it is a positive one for the Islanders. New York added a bit of forward depth for a defenseman who wasn't going to crack the Islanders' roster.
ISLANDERS SELECT FIVE PLAYERS IN 2020 NHL DRAFT
The Islanders didn't have a first or second round pick this year, however, they did select five players in rounds 3-7. You can read more about the players they selected
here.
GREISS SIGNS WITH RED WINGS
As expected, Thomas Greiss won’t be returning to New York, after signing a two-year deal in Detroit, with a $3.6 million AAV. It is only two years but the price is a bit higher than I would have expected.
BELLOWS VIOLATES PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES PROGRAM
On Friday, the AHL announced that Kieffer Bellows had violated the league’s performance enhancing substances program. However, Bellows was already disciplined and there will be no limitations on his ability to play.
KOIVULA STARTING SEASON IN FINLAND
Otto Koivula has been loaned to Finland to play with HIFK in the Liiga. It’s likely Koivula will compete for a spot with the Islanders once training camp opens.
BRASSARD AND GREENE REMAIN UNSIGNED
Two regulars in the Islanders’ lineup this past season remain unsigned, being Derick Brassard and Andy Greene. We know the Islanders were trying to get a deal done with Brassard but it’ll be interesting to see if anything materializes.
As for this week’s polls, here are the results and my thoughts on how they turned out:
QUESTION: Do you think Sebastian Aho will earn a roster spot next season?
(Votes: 152)
No: 51%
Yes: 49%
I’m siding towards Yes on this one. If any defenseman is moved, which may be the case based on the cap situation, Noah Dobson will slide into the lineup and the Islanders will need a spare. Given Aho’s age, it makes sense to start trying to get him into a bit of game action, so the organization can see what they have.
QUESTION: Were you happy with New York’s pick in rounds 3-7?
(Votes: 122)
No: 51%
Yes: 49%
Given that I haven’t had the chance to watch any of New York’s 2020 draft picks (at least that I can recall), I can’t really give an opinion on the players taken. However, at least on a statistical basis, nobody that the Islanders drafted really has numbers that leap off the page at you.
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OTHER ISLANDERS ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Setting expectations for Ilya Sorokin's first NHL season
Weekly Recap: Islanders Edition (October 4)
Islanders re-sign Sebastian Aho
Recapping all of New York's picks in the 2020 NHL Draft 
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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