Islanders trade Michael Grabner to Maple Leafs for Taylor Beck, 4 prospects
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Michael Grabner from the New York Islanders on Thursday in exchange for forwards Taylor Beck and Carter Verhaeghe, defensemen Matt Finn and Tom Nilsson, and goaltender Christopher Gibson.
Grabner, 27, has appeared in 317 career games with the Islanders and Vancouver Canucks, recording 95 goals and 60 assists. He has been limited due to injury over the past couple seasons, and is entering the final year of a five-year, $15-million contract.
Beck was acquired by the Maple Leafs back in July from the Nashville Predators, and quickly signed a one-year, $875,000 contract that will now be transferred to the Islanders. A third-round pick from the 2009 draft, Beck, 24, recorded eight goals and eight assists in 62 games for the Predators last season.
The move not only adds Grabner to the lineup, but clears some contracts off Toronto's books.
Key to TOR-NYI trade (6 players) was TOR losing 4 contracts, from 49 to 45, to get flexibility to sign PTOs or make waiver claim or trade.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 17, 2015
From the Islanders' perspective, Beck comes much cheaper than Grabner, and will likely have the opportunity to fill the vacated spot on the wing. The four prospects - who weren't considered part of Toronto's long-term plan - will likely battle for minor-league jobs within the organization.