Wed, Dec 20, 2006 at 12:00am

YORK FOR ROBITAILLE

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired forward Mike York from the New York Islanders for forward Randy Robitaille and a fifth-round draft pick in 2008.

What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers interim GM Paul Holmgren continues to look to Long Island for help for his beleaguered squad. After acquiring defenseman Alexei Zhitnik, he now gets York--who is versatile enough to play all three forward positions. If everybody is healthy (which has been an impossibility in Philly this season), look for York to play on the wing with promising second-year center Jeff Carter. However, York is also insurance at center in case the likes of Peter Forsberg and Mike Richards can't return to full health this season.

What does it give the New York Islanders
Robitaille is actually older than York, despite being the less established player. This will be Robitaille's second tour of duty with the Isles, since he saw action in 10 games on Long Island in 2002-03. He'll likely serve the role of fourth-line center under coach Ted Nolan, and take a few key face-offs along the way. This move should also enable Mike Sillinger to play more of a scoring role with the Isles.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Philadelphia Flyers

Mike York C/W

New York Islanders

a fifth-round draft pick in 2008

Randy Robitaille C