Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 8:00pm

EHRHOFF TO THE ISLANDERS

The New York Islanders acquired defenseman Christian Ehrhoff from the Vancouver Canucks for a fourth-round draft pick in 2012.

What does it give the New York Islanders
The Islanders have a few days to get Ehrhoff under contract before the German defender becomes an unrestricted free agent. It's a well-worth gamble at this point. If Ehrhoff chooses to play for the Islanders, he'll provide a lot of offense and plenty of minute-munching capability for a team that was ravaged by blueline injuries last season. For a young team on the rise like the Isles, giving up a fourth rounder isn't that big of a deal at this time.

What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks tried to get Ehrhoff under contract before July 1, but wound up re-signing Kevin Bieksa instead. Therefore, GM Mike Gillis decided to get something in return for Ehrhoff's services. Now, Gillis will go shopping for another blueliner on July 1, since he is also expected to lose veteran Finn Sami Salo (to retirement). With Ehrhoff gone, young Chris Tanev is likely to see more ice time in '11-12.

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