Isles Place Bouchard On Waivers, Strome On His Way!

 photo by hockeydb

According to reports, the Islanders have placed forward Pierre Marc Bouchard on waivers.  Forward Ryan Strome will be coming up from Bridgeport to take Bouchards spot.  Strome, the current AHL leader in points has accumulated 33 points in 23 games thus far this season.

Thus far this season, Bouchard has put up 9 points in 28 games for the Islanders while shuffling between the second and third lines.  Bouchard was bought in, in the off season on paper as the Islanders latest replacement for the right wing on the John Tavares line.  While it wasn't given much of a chance to work it was clear that Bouchard wasn't up to the task.  By putting Bouchard on waivers, Garth Snow is admitting that his big signing this past off season was a failure which is refreshing to see instead of the guy being given 2/3+ of the season to try and find his game at this level which has been done in the past.  According to Newsday, before being waived Bouchard was offered around the league but there were no takers.

I think it is interesting that they decided to waive Bouchard instead of someone like Peter Regin.  Strome, who will reportedly join the team tomorrow for their game against the Sharks will not only be taking Bouchard's spot on the roster but his spot in the lineup to as he will slot right in as a top 6 forward and be on the power play as well like Bouchard had been doing.

While I was one who was supportive of Strome getting time in the AHL, given his recent play there in the last 2-3 weeks I think he has earned a look at this level and am very excited to see what he brings.  Strome has managed 10 points in his last four games in the AHL and 17 points in his last 9.