The New York Islanders traded veteran winger Jason Chimera to the Anaheim Ducks for center Chris Wagner less than an hour before the NHL’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline Monday.
Chimera, 38, was in the midst of one of his worst professional seasons as the lower-line forward recorded just two goals and nine assists with a minus-11 rating in 58 games.
The speedy vet was a non-factor this season as New York’s fourth-line winger alongside Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck, as the Islanders continue to search for the right replacement for Matt Martin on their bottom unit.
The deal is also friendly on the Islanders’ wallets as Chimera provided a cap hit of $2.25 million this year. In contrast, Wagner carries a hit of just $637,500.
Wagner is just 26 years old and gives New York a better option on their lower lines rather than relying on Shane Prince, Alan Quine or Tanner Fritz. While he’s listed as a center, Wagner is versatile enough to play on the wing.
In 64 games this season, he’s recorded six goals and nine assists for a career-high 15 points.
What might be most important for the Islanders is that Wagner is a gritty forward who can hit, block shots and help out the penalty kill. Any semblance of defensive help, while it might not come on the blue line, is a welcomed addition considering the Islanders have the league’s worst defense.
The Islanders now have two players in the NHL’s top five in hits. Wagner ranks second with 212 while Clutterbuck sits in fifth with 185.
However, if this and the Brandon Davidson deal are the only moves the Islanders are able to pull off before the deadline, general manager Garth Snow’s job could be in very serious trouble.
