Islanders Trade Target & Jakub Skarek Prospect Update
Welcome to the THW New York Islanders Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Islanders writers.
In today’s edition, we have an archive article that revisits the Alexei Yashin trade with the Ottawa Senators and look at an Edmonton Oilers defenseman who could replace Scott Mayfield. Finally, we have an update on prospect Jakub Skarek’s improvement.
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Now, on to the good stuff…
Alexei Yashin Trade Revisited
November 5, 2023 by Andrew Forbes
Long before he became one of the biggest and most disappointing contracts in New York Islanders franchise history, Alexei Yashin was traded to the Islanders from the Ottawa Senators back on June 23, 2001.
At the time, Yashin was a talented forward with a high-skill level and offensive upside that was clearly appealing to the Islanders and their general manager at the time, Mike Milbury. So much so, that Milbury moved a budding defenceman, a frisky forward and a first-round pick in 2001.
While Yashin spent the first seven seasons of his NHL career with the Senators, the team shipped the forward to the Islanders following two 85-plus point seasons for Bill Muckalt, Zdeno Chara and a first-round pick that turned into Jason Spezza at second overall in 2001. But how did the trade play out for both teams?
Islanders Should Target Oilers’ Ceci To Fill Mayfield Void
November 2, 2023 by Mike Fink
With Scott Mayfield’s injury, the New York Islanders now have a weakness they weren’t expecting this season. They lack a right-side defenseman who can shut down offenses, specifically on their second and third pairings. The team’s defense, which is typically a strength, has struggled in recent games, allowing four goals in their Oct. 29 loss to the Detroit Red Wings and 21 goals in the last six games.
The Edmonton Oilers have struggled on the defensive end of the ice this season, allowing 4.00 goals per game but Cody Ceci is having a strong season and fits the need on the Islanders’ defense. On a struggling team, Ceci’s been one of their best defensemen with 0.5 defensive point share and seven blocked shots while averaging 20:11 of ice time. The Islanders, who are looking to win now with a veteran-heavy roster, could make a move for him.
It’s unlikely the Oilers will trade him or anyone. They are also looking to win now, and despite starting the season 2-5-1, they have the players in place to turn things around. That said, the right deal, especially if it upgrades the Oilers’ roster, should see the veteran defenseman on the move.
Islanders Prospect Jakub Skarek’s Improvement Provides Optimism
November 1, 2023 by Mike Fink
The Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League (AHL) are seeing goaltender Jakub Skarek start the 2023-24 season on the right foot. He’s looked sharp through five games and while his save percentage (SV%) has dipped below .900, he has a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.76 as he’s keeping games low-scoring for the Islanders. The low GAA stands out considering where Skarek was a season ago when he had a 3.37 GAA.
The Islanders have only played five games and there’s still plenty of time for him to regress. However, he’s already shown signs of improvement and put together strong performances in the net. On Oct. 21 against the Utica Comets, he made 26 saves to allow the Islanders to win the game in overtime 2-1. He’s continuing to develop and taking a big step forward this season can have greater implications for both him and his trajectory as a goaltending prospect.