Swinging for the Fences

The New York Islanders' long search for their missing x-factor continued this week, adding another entry to the list of splashy additions since new management took over last January.

This time it's EHE legend Patrice Bergeron winging his way to the Island, as General Manager Kyle Phillips tries to spark a turning point in what's so far been an unexceptional season for his club.

"Yeah, through the first half it just feels like more of the same from last season in terms of results," said Phillips on a conference call late Thursday evening. "We've been consistently excellent in some phases of the game, and consistently terrible in others, and it's all adding up to another season of hanging out on the playoff bubble.

"That's not acceptable, and this trade is meant to address our issues in multiple ways."

To that point, the Islanders will surely be hoping that Bergeron's elite two-way game will shore up their woeful penalty kill, which currently sits dead last in the EHE at 77.2%

It's an area which appeared to be in good shape heading into the season, given that the team finished with the 9th-best PK in 2021-22, and then added veteran defensive specialist Nick Foligno in the offseason. But obviously things have not gone to plan.

"Yeah, that's an area where we think Patrice would help us, regardless of whether we're last in the league, or first. 

"But frankly I think there's a pretty simple explanation for our struggles, and we're working to address that."

When asked to expand upon that point Phillips would only say that it was an internal matter.

As for the pieces surrendered to acquire Bergeron, who notably is on an expiring contract, Phillips explained that he felt it was worth the risk of the deal turning out to be a pure rental.

"In spite of what it might look like, I don't enjoy giving up future assets. I understand how important they are to the long-term health of an organization. 

"But we're in this business to win championships. Our group is clearly in its window to compete for a Stanley Cup, and Patrice is a guy who has been point-per-game over multiple deep playoff runs with different teams, not to mention that he's near the top of the list in all-time EHE scoring. And on top of all that, he was a huge part of building a winning culture with a young franchise in Las Vegas.

"Those are the kind of attributes that, in our current situation, I'm comfortable expending future assets to add to our group."

And if Bergeron does move on at season's end, either through free agency or retirement? Will the Isles' GM consider this deal a swing and a miss?

"Obviously we'd love it if Patrice decides to stay an Islander through next season and beyond. But those decisions will get sorted when the time comes. 

"Right now the only thing we're aiming for is 16 wins this summer."