In a move to bolster their goaltending, the Islanders acquired the free agent rights to Jaroslav Halak. They sent a Blackhawks 2014 fourth round pick to the Capitals. This gives them a two month negotiating window to try to sign Halak. He can become unrestricted on July 1.

It’s worth the gamble for GM Garth Snow. If he can get Halak signed, it immediately upgrades the Islanders in net. Originally a Montreal ’03 ninth round pick, he led the Canadiens to the Conference Final in 2010. Since, he’s only appeared in two postseason games both with the Blues in 2012.

Traded to the Sabres in a package for Ryan Miller, he was moved to the Capitals. While he performed well posting five wins with a 2.31 goals-against-average, .930 save percentage and one shutout, he’s refusal to play versus his former team at St. Louis was puzzling. Especially with Washington playing for their playoff lives. That couldn’t have been looked upon favorably by teammates. With the Caps still searching for a new GM and coach, they decided not to bring him back.

It’s hard to estimate Halak’s value. He earned $4.5 million. The veteran netminder turns 29 on May 13. He’s posted good numbers but never been a full-time starter. He split duty with Brian Elliott in St. Louis but it didn’t result in postseason success. Ironically, that didn’t change even with Miller, who fell victim to a comeback from defending champion Chicago. They blew a 2-0 series lead for a second straight year.

Halak is a solid goalie who still hasn’t found a home. It’s hard to believe he’ll be on his fourth roster in less than a year. It remains to be seen if he’ll sign with the Islanders. They’ve been rejected countless times including Snow’s failed gamble of Thomas Vanek. Vanek forced a trade and is currently competing in the second round for the Canadiens, who take on the Bruins starting tonight. There’s no guarantee Halak will sign. With Evgeni Nabokov also unrestricted, the Islanders goalie situation remains a mystery.