New York Islanders Make Surprising Roster Move

The New York Islanders have been busy signing some of their own free agents to contracts and moving players on and off their roster to ensure they are cap compliant for opening night. Looks like forward Leo Komarov has fell victim to the numbers game.

The Islanders announced they have waived Komarov who has two years left on his deal that pays him $3 million per season.

gentle reminder that Leo Komarov has a 7 Team NTC so I’m sure the Isles tried to trade him to a team that had cap space but that was a bust so they had to put him on waivers...

— bobbi :) (@mo_toews) January 12, 2021

'Uncle Leo' is nothing flashy but he's effective. He loves to mix it up and agitate the crap out of the other team and is more physical than you think for someone 5'11. 

Last season on the Island, Komarov played a depth role and chipped in with 14 points in 48 games. He managed to play in 17 playoff games, recording three points. With $3 million per season on his contract, it's unlikely a team will claim Komarov, and he's expected to be on the team's taxi-squad.

Photo credit:  Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire

Leo Komarov to be part of taxi squad for #Isles. @JamesNicholsNYI says he believes the third line will look like Dal Colle-Pageau-Bellows.

This is 'now or never' for Dal Colle and I agree with Jame's statement that this might be the best line Dal Colle has been a part of.

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) January 12, 2021