Isles Snatch Smyth From Oilers

Feb 27, 07:15 PM

Current Headlines:

Uniondale, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Islanders landed a big name at Tuesday's trade deadline, acquiring forward Ryan Smyth from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for young forwards Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra and a first-round pick in the 2007 draft.

The Isles get Edmonton's most popular player in Smyth, who was leading the Oilers in goals (31) and points (53) this year.

The Oilers had been trying to re-sign Smyth, a free agent after this year, but in the end they were not able to hammer out a deal and decided to get something for their star player.

Smyth, 31, had spent his entire career with the Oilers after Edmonton selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 1994 draft.

The native of Banff, Alberta registered 549 points (265 goals, 284 assists) in 12 seasons with the Oilers. Smyth leaves Edmonton with the fifth-most goals and seventh-most points in club history.

The Islanders gave up a pair of recent first-round picks in order to bring Smyth to Long Island.

Nilsson, the 15th overall selection in the 2003 draft, played in 53 games for the Islanders last year and had six goals and 14 assists. The 22-year-old is the son of former NHL All-Star Kent Nilsson, who is now a scout with the Oilers.

O'Marra, 19, was the 15th overall pick in the 2005 draft and had split this season between the Erie Otters and Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. He spent eight games with the Islanders' AHL team in Bridgeport at the end of last season, posting four goals and five points, along with one assist in three postseason contests.

02/27 18:26:49 ET