A look back: How Ryan Murray almost became a New York Islander

The New York Islander don't exactly have one of the better drafting histories in recent memory. With 2 picks from the top 5 that have yet to play 50 games (Griffin Reinhart and Michael Dal Colle). But there was one player GM Garth Snow was certain in. So much so that he was willing to pay almost any price.


At the 2012 entry draft, the projected 2nd overall pick was defenceman Ryan Murray. It was reported that Garth Snow offered EVERY single draft pick the Islanders owned in the 2012 draft in exchange for Murray. Let's not forget that the Islanders had the 4th overall pick, just 2 slots behind Columbus.

At the end of the day, Columbus actually declined the offer, believing Murray was the best player they could use to build their team around. The Islanders went on to choose Griffin Reinhart 4th overall.

If it makes you feel better Islanders fans, Reinhart was later used in a trade with Edmonton that brought a young prospect named Matthew Barzal to New York, so maybe Columbus helped this team.