PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 18: Nick Leddy #2 of the New York Islanders controls the puck during their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 18, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Just a few short months ago, Islanders fans were in a panic about trading Devon Toews. Sure, in a perfect world the Isles would’ve been able to keep their young defenseman, nobody is arguing that. But New York, like many other teams, had to move someone due to the cap staying flat.
Lou Lamoriello received two second-round picks for Toews and was absolutely crushed for it, meanwhile, Vegas moved Nate Schmidt for a 2022 third-round pick and nobody batted an eyelash.