The New York Islanders conducted some business on Thursday that has an impact on the Buffalo Sabres.
The Islanders not only announced the signing of former Buffalo goaltender Jaroslav Halak to a four year, $18 Million contract, but also indicated their intention to retain their 2014 first round pick as part of the option included in the Thomas Vanek deal last fall.
With the exercising of their option, the Sabres will receive New York's first round pick in 2015. Most draft experts believe that the 2014 Entry Draft, that will be held in Philadelphia on June 26-27 is average at best, but the Islanders have the fifth pick.
2015 has two potential franchise players at the top in Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, but the signing of Halak appears to be the first of many moves made by New York GM Garth Snow to guarantee that their first round pick 12 months from now will be in the bottom half of the draft.