Trade: David Toews Traded to Chicago for Future Considerations

David Toews, a center and 2008 3rd round pick, was traded by the Islanders to the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations earlier today.

AT: Toews, a center playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL after disappointing seasons at the University of North Dakota, was traded to the team that his brother, Jonathan Toews, is currently the captain of. Toews was yet another center in the Islanders system and with his unimpressive play (albeit very strong playoffs stats-wise) had not been invited to the Blue and White scrimmage due to the Islanders' stated intentions of having no plans to sign him. So, it's good he'll get a chance to find a nice home in Chicago with the help of big brother Jon. Better there than being stuck behind a plethora of centers far ahead of him in the depth charts. As for what the Islanders are getting in return... who knows? Toews was not even a consideration in the Islanders system and considered a bust universally, so we shouldn't be expecting anything other than maybe a 7th round pick. Regardless, good luck to David, and best wishes on better success in Chi-town.

CH: Agreed. Some picks you win with, and some you lose with. Unfortunately, this is one the Isles lost on. But that happens, and sometimes you just have to pull the plug. The Isles did it last year with Jyri Niemi, as they traded him to the Rangers in 2010 for a 6th round pick. We will see what the Isles get back, but expect nothing more than a 7th round pick or low level prospect. This is just a favor to Toews, which is more than fine. Like Alex said, best of luck to David in all of his future endeavors.

Report: Winnipeg Offers GM Job to Kevin Cheveldayoff

According to NHL.com, True North has offered their vacant GM job to Kevin Cheveldayoff. The former 1988 first round draft pick of the Islanders was recently the assistant GM of the Chicago Blackhawks and the GM of the AHL's Chicago Wolves before that.

No word on whether Cheveldayoff has accepted or not yet.

CH: I'm not so sure I love this move from a Winnipeg standpoint. There is no question that Cheveldayoff has potential in management. He was rumored back for the Islanders job in 2006 before the position went to Neil Smith. I am just concerned that he is being shoved into a very high pressure situation in Winnipeg with a rebuilding team. That's a lot to put on a rookie GM, especially with the importance of putting a good product on the ice for the team's future in Winnipeg. Between Rick Dudley and Cheveldayoff, I think Dudley would have been a better option for Winnipeg, but it's clear True North wanted to start as fresh as possible.

AT: I also think Dudley would've been better, but as you said it's pretty obvious Winnipeg wants a new start on the team, both in management and in style.