Devon Toews Trade Retrospective: Evaluating the Impact on the Islanders and Avalanche Rosters.

Five years removed from the trade that sent defenseman Devon Toews from the New York Islanders to the Colorado Avalanche, it's time to revisit the deal and assess its impact on both franchises. On October 12, 2020, the Islanders traded Toews to the Avalanche in exchange for second-round picks in the 2021 and 2022 NHL Drafts. At the time, the move was seen as a salary-cap driven decision for the Islanders, who needed to shed salary while Toews was a restricted free agent.

For the Avalanche, the acquisition of Toews solidified their blueline, providing a skilled, two-way defenseman to pair with Cale Makar. Then-Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic praised Toews as a smart, puck-moving defenseman who could play significant minutes. The Islanders' general manager, Lou Lamoriello, acknowledged that they were giving up a good player but expressed confidence in Noah Dobson's ability to step into a larger role.

Looking back, the trade has had a significant impact on both teams. Toews has thrived in Colorado, becoming a key component of their defense and an alternate captain. He has consistently produced offensively, with 50-plus points in three of his last four seasons. His defensive skills have also been crucial, helping the Avalanche become one of the top defensive teams in the league. Toews's contributions culminated in a Stanley Cup victory with the Avalanche in 2022. In October 2023, Toews signed a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension with the Avalanche, further cementing his long-term future with the team.

For the Islanders, the trade created a void in their defense that they have struggled to fill. While Noah Dobson has developed into a solid defenseman, the Islanders have missed Toews's two-way presence and puck-moving ability. The Islanders used the acquired draft picks to select Janis Jérôme Moser (by Utah Mammoth) in 2021 and Calle Odelius in 2022.

Former Islanders teammate Cal Clutterbuck suggested the team needed to make a move to keep their core intact, pointing to the difficulty of keeping both Toews and Ryan Pulock. He noted the strong pairing of Pulock and Adam Pelech as a factor in the decision.

The Avalanche's success after the trade has prompted other teams to prioritize acquiring two-way defensemen. The Tampa Bay Lightning, who the Avalanche defeated in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, had a similar team build, with Victor Hedman and Mikhail Sergachev playing significant roles on their blue line.

In conclusion, the Devon Toews trade has proven to be a significant win for the Colorado Avalanche, who acquired a top-pairing defenseman that has helped them achieve success. While the Islanders made the best of the situation at the time, they have missed Toews's all-around game and have not been able to replicate his impact on their team.


Written By
Anika Sharma is an emerging journalist with a passion for uncovering global stories and a commitment to impactful reporting, alongside a keen interest in sports. Holding a Master's in International Journalism, she brings a fresh perspective to complex world affairs. Anika is particularly focused on human rights and environmental issues, eager to leverage her skills to shed light on underreported topics and advocate for positive change worldwide. Her dedication to sports also influences her team-oriented approach to journalism.
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