Slovakian veteran Halak is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, so the Islanders are being proactive here in their attempt to land a younger, more talented starting goalie over grizzled vet Nabokov is also going to become a UFA this summer and not expected back on Long Island. The Islanders aren't always successful in landing big-name free agents, but they are going to be very active. This is a very good gamble for a team in need of a new starter between the pipes. While the Isles like both Nilsson and Poulin neither is ready to a legitimate No. 1 man in the NHL for a contender.

The Capitals are being handled by assistant General Manager Brian MacLellan until a new person is hired. In the meantime, the Caps are doing a bit of housecleaning here. It was evident that Halak had played his last game in D.C. so the club did well to acquire a fourth rounder for his rights. The pick was Chicago's, which was sent to the Islanders earlier this season in the Regin swap. With both Halak and Neuvirth (sent to Buffalo in the Halak deal) gone from the organization, Washington seems intent on moving forward with the young combination of Holtby and Grubauer between the pipes.

This deal helps Holtby and Grubauer a lot, since they are likely to battle for playing time in training camp next season. As for Halak, his fantasy value is not quite as high as it was when he was with St. Louis, but still pretty good. After all, he's the clear starter with the Isles if he wants to re-sign there.