The full deal sends Niederreiter to Minnesota for Clutterbuck and a 2013 third round pick. After consecutive strong seasons in which he totaled 34 goals, 27 assists and 61 points, Clutterbuck dropped to four goals and six assists over 42 games with 27 penalty minutes. One of the game’s most ferocious checkers, he battled through injuries only missing half a dozen. He also dished out 155 hits. In his first postseason, he notched a goal and assist. 

“I gave up a former first-round pick, so yeah, you gotta give up something to get something,” Snow said of finally unloading Niederreiter, who wanted out after not being part of the Islanders roster that made the postseason.

The 20-year old Niederreiter was taken by the Isles fifth overall in 2010. In 74 games with Bridgeport, he posted 28 goals and 22 helpers for 50 points and was an AHL All-Star. Niederreiter should finally get his chance with the Wild. The former Swiss WJC hero projects as a checking forward with power wing potential. It’ll be interesting to see how he responds to a new challenge.

For the short-term, this is a win for the Islanders. They get another hard nosed physical player who fits Jack Capuano’s aggressive system. It makes them even tougher. More and more, it looks like the Isles are the team to beat in the metro area. As long as they can keep Evgeni Nabokov and find a suitable backup, they could be playoff bound again. The trade of Mark Streit to the Flyers was done because they weren’t re-signing him. The hope is that Matt Donovan is ready. Islander fans also could get a taste of former number one Ryan Strome, who could form a potent duo with John Tavares for many years.

A strong Islander core featuring Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen, Michael Grabner, Casey Cizikas, Colin McDonald, Andrew MacDonald, Travis Hamonic and vet Lubomir Visnovsky are back. Hamonic is a Group II. Snow must also try to re-sign Brad Boyes.  The biggest question remains in net. Will the Flyers steal Nabokov? The Islanders have tons of space. There are no excuses following a big step forward. If they’re serious about contending which the Clutterbuck move seems to indicate, then Snow will be busy this off season.