Griffin Reinhart Traded to Oilers for 16th, 33rd Overall Draft Picks

The New York Islanders have traded Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers for the 16th and 33rd overall picks in the 2015 NHL Draft. Later, they packaged that 33rd overall pick with their own 72nd overall pick to acquire the 28th overall pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning, giving the Isles two picks in the first round.

Reinhart was the topic of trade rumors off and on during the last season (however, Garth Snow refutes the rumor that Reinhart requested a trade), with Edmonton always considered one of the likely suitors. The fourth overall pick in 2012 played his junior hockey in WHL Edmonton.

This move represents a bailout of sorts on a defenseman who was considered by some as a reach at 4th overall during his draft year. It also gives the Islanders a first and second round pick in a draft where they previously had none after they traded them in the ill-fated Thomas Vanek deal.

Reinhart, 21, made his NHL debut this season and appeared in one playoff game, but he appeared to be passed up on the Islanders blueline depth chart by Ryan Pulock and possibly even Scott Mayfield too.

Just before the Islanders made the trade, the Boston Bruins finished a run of three consecutive picks, the 15th overall pick being a bit of a reach. It's possible that was key to their decision to strike now.

[Update: Indeed, Arthur Staple reports as much:

Source says #Isles only made this deal when Barzal fell to 16. No chance they make it otherwise.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) June 27, 2015

With the 16th pick, the Isles selected well-touted Mathew Barzal, a promising center out of WHL Seattle whose season was interrupted by an early injury, but who shined for the Thunderbirds and on the international stage for Canada.

For a perspective from Oilers fans on this deal, check out Copper and Blue, where they are at best not quite enthused.