Thursday, March 09, 2006

Isles Ship Kvasha To Phoenix

The selling off of players continued for the Islanders at today's deadline. Having already moved Mark Parrish and Brent Sopel to the Kings a day earlier in exchange for prospects Denis Grebeshkov and Jeff Tambellini plus a conditional third round pick, existing GM Mike Milbury pulled off two more deals for the future.

Coupled with Montreal's 3-0 shutout of Boston later Thursday night, the Isles trail the eighth place Canadiens by nine points with 21 games remaining while Montreal has 20 left.

After dealing away Brad Lukowich to the Devils for a 2006 third round pick, Milbury finally found a taker for Oleg Kvasha- shipping the 27-year-old center to Phoenix for an '06 third round pick.

Originally acquired by Milbury along with Parrish in a Draft Day blockbuster trade back on June 24, 2000 for Olli Jokinen and Roberto Luongo, Kvasha was a classic underachiever as an Islander.

Possessing all the skills to become a top line talent, the enigmatic Kvasha never fulfilled expectations. Returning from the lockout off an '03-04 in which he posted career highs in goals (15), assists (36), points (51) and games (81), he struggled mightily with a disappointing 21 points (9-12-21) in 49 contests this season.

In 332 career games with the Islanders, Kvasha finished with 60 goals, 96 assists for 156 points.

No comments: