Peca Traded to the Island

June 24, 2001: It seems that the most unpleasant chapter of Michael Peca's career has finally come to a close. The former Buffalo Sabres center was dealt today to the New York Islanders, in exchange for talented young forwards Tim Connolly and Taylor Pyatt.

The 27-year old Peca missed the entire 2000-2001 season with the Sabres because of a contract dispute. Although he still does not have a contract for the upcoming season, it is expected that the Islanders will have Peca signed and in camp come September.

The trade for Peca came on the second day of 2001 Draft Weekend, and just a day after the Islanders acquired former Ottawa Senators malcontent Alexei Yashin. These two deals give New York a 1-2 center combination that will not be matched by most opponents.

"[The Islanders] acquired my friend Alexei Yashin yesterday and I started to think how amazing it would be to become an Islander," said Peca. "I can’t believe this became a reality."

It was difficult for Peca to sit out the last season without a contract, as he was just entering the prime of his career. A year ago he was named by The Hockey News as one of the top 50 players in the NHL. Following the 96-97 campaign, he was given the Selke Award as the top defensive forward in the league. He also played a pivotal role in the Sabres reaching the Stanley Cup finals in 1999.

"People who know me know I’m rarely speechless," said Peca, "but when I first heard the news I was so happy and so relieved that I almost cried. I am just so thrilled to be coming to the Island."

While the trade signals a new beginning for Peca, the recent wheeling and dealing by the Islanders also signals a new phase in the team's life. In addition to the Yashin and Peca acquisitions, the team also added veteran defenseman Adrian Aucoin in the offseason and named former Boston assistant Peter Laviolette head coach. Oft-beleaguered general manager Mike Milbury is hoping that these changes help spur the team on to a playoff berth.

"[Peca and Yashin] bring a lot to the table and they can make us an exciting team," said Milbury. "We have a lot of pieces in place to be a seriously competitive team this season. That'll appeal to all the players."

For Peca, simply getting back onto the ice in an NHL game should be appealing enough - but bringing some wins to the Island wouldn't hurt, either.