The Islanders have brought in another veteran for the stretch run, acquiring defenseman Braydon Coburn from the Senators in exchange for a 2022 seventh-round draft pick. Both teams have confirmed the move.
The 36-year-old was moved to Ottawa just before the season started in a trade from Tampa Bay that was designed to maximize its LTIR potential with the Sens picking up Cedric Paquette (who was dealt to Carolina soon after) plus a second-round pick for their troubles. However, as a veteran on his last legs, Coburn wasn’t a great fit for the Senators, who waived him in early February but couldn’t find a taker at that time. On that front, getting a pick, even a late one, two months later is a worthwhile move.
Despite spending a lot of time on the taxi squad, Coburn has gotten into 16 games this season while logging 16:26 per night. Nevertheless, he should get used to being back in a reserve role as the Islanders aren’t bringing him in to be a regular player as he slots in no higher than seventh on the depth chart. However, as someone with plenty of postseason experience – he has 137 career playoff contests under his belt – Coburn gives them someone who has been there before and can step in if injuries strike. He won his first career Stanley Cup last year with the Lightning, although he got into only three games along the way.
Coburn is in the final season of a two-year, $3.4 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports (Twitter link) that there is no salary retention in the deal. As a result, the Isles now have $1.55 million remaining in their LTIR pool, per CapFriendly, an amount they can spend if needed with both Anders Lee and Johnny Boychuk out for the season.
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