Former Anaheim Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky has filed a grievance with the NHLPA claiming the trade that sent him to the New York Islanders in exchange for a pick at last months entry draft should not have been allowed because his no-trade clause was still in effect.

When the Ducks acquired the veteran in 2010 from the Edmonton Oilers, he never invoked his no-trade clause, therefore it was still active and valid under the terms of his contract.

Visnovsky claims the Islanders are not one of the ten teams he would be willing to accept a trade to. If this truly is the situation, than Visnovsky certainly has a case and it is quite possible he could be headed back to Anaheim.

Visnovsky does raise a valid issue by questioning the trade. If a contract with a no-trade clause is dealt to another club it should remain in effect, as long a sthe player does not invoke its use. I believe Lubo is well within his rights to take issue with the trade.

Trust me when I say this has less to do with being traded to Long Island than it does with a player protecting his rights under the terms of his own contract and the CBA.

The grievance will be decided by an arbitrator before Visnovsky's future is decided. If the arbitrator rules in favor of Visnovsky, he'll remain with the Ducks; if not, he will head to the Islanders entering the final year of his contract.

Obviously, the Ducks traded Lubo because he is no longer part of the clubs long-term future. Both sides should be willing to work something out in order to avoid any awkwardness for each. But, if Lubo does win his case and the deal is nixed, the Ducks should be willing to honor the arbitrator's decision and welcome him back until an acceptable deal can be reached.

Al this as the NHL and the NHLPA try and hatch out a new collective bargaining agreement. Isn't big business wonderful?

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