Arthur Staple of Newsday tweeted that New York Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky has decided to stay in Slovakia for the rest of the season. He is playing with HC Slovan Bratislava of the KHL.
Statement from L. Visnovsky: “I have decided to stay and continue my career in the KHL for the remainder of the 2012-13 season…
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) January 7, 2013
“I am thankful to the #Isles for being so good to me. My decision not to play in the NHL is due to family and personal reasons…
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) January 7, 2013
“I have made no decisions on next season. My focus now is on Slovan Bratislava, and enjoying my family in my home country.”
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) January 7, 2013
The Islanders had sent a 2013 2nd round pick to the Anaheim Ducks last June for Visnovsky. Shortly after the trade, Visnovsky filed a grievance with the NHL staying that he had a no trade clause. In September, an arbitrator ruled that he was an Islander. The Kings traded Visnovsky to the Oilers a day before his no trade was to be valid in 2008. He was traded by the Oilers to Ducks in 2010 and didn’t invoke the no-trade. Visnovsky felt that since he didn’t use the no-trade, the clause should carry over. In the end, Visnovsky said he was happy to be an Islander and would join the team.
Visnovsky has one year left on 5 year deal worth $28 million. He carries a $5.6 million salary cap hit and was scheduled to make $3 million this year. The Islanders will likely suspended him, therefore not having to pay his salary, and may also look to challenge the salary cap hit.
NHL says it’s been assured KHL won’t let players with valid NHL deals play in KHL. Guess that “assurance” will be put to test. #visnovsky
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 7, 2013
#Isles decline comment on Visnovsky matter, but team and league both expect player and KHL to honor all #NHL contracts.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) January 7, 2013
At the moment, it stands that the Islanders gave up a 2nd round pick in this years draft for nothing. They may even be stuck with the salary cap hit, though it wouldn’t really be an issue for them as a non-cap team.
