Rangers Acquire Brad Isbister

[Thrillhouse]

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired forward Brad Isbister from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the rights to Jakub Petruzalek and a conditional fifth round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Isbister will report to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Isbister, 29, has appeared in nine games with the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, recording three goals and five assists for eight points, along with 54 penalty minutes. His eight points are tied for third on the River Rats, while his 54 penalty minutes rank second on the team.

The 6-4, 231-pound forward has skated in 467 career NHL contests with the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, and Boston Bruins, registering 99 goals and 107 assists for 206 points, along with 563 penalty minutes. In 2005-06, he skated in 58 games with the Bruins, collecting six goals and 17 assists for 23 points, along with 46 penalty minutes. As a third-year forward with the Islanders in 1999-00, he established career-highs in goals (22), power play goals (nine) and points (42) in 64 games.

Internationally, Isbister skated with his native Canada at the 2000 and 2001 World Championships. In nine games at the 2000 tournament, he ranked third on the team in scoring with seven points (four goals and three assists). He also led Team Canada in scoring with seven points in seven games at the 1997 World Junior Championships and helped his team capture a gold medal.

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Isbister appeared in 226 career games with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL), registering 83 goals and 92 assists for 175 points, along with 397 penalty minutes. He ranked second on the Winter Hawks in scoring in 1995-96, collecting 45 goals and 44 assists for 89 points and earned WHL Second Team All-Star honors in 1996-97.

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Isbister was originally drafted by Winnipeg with its fourth choice, 67th overall, in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

Petruzalek, 21, has appeared in 13 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) and Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) this season, registering one goal and 11 assists for 12 points.

[Isles4life]

He'll probably play well for the Rangers, which is really upsetting. He was one of my favorites back on the Islanders.

[BGDDYKWL]

I was really surprised that Isbister couldn't land anywhere this year. He's not great by any means, but certainly good enough to play in the league. Doesn't seem like it's anywhere near a definite that he'll be playing for the Rangers either.

[Thrillhouse]

He's already been assigned to Hartford guys

[Blouin]

good move by the Blueshirts since they did not give up anyone currently on team

[Skorka85]

Isbister woud probably be a decent guy on their 3rd line if they need a call up, he's not an offensive powerhouse, but can definitely play. Not a bad pick up.

[canuckfan]

Meh. I wouldn't trade a roll of tape for this floater.

[calgarytough]

Originally Posted by canuckfan

Meh. I wouldn't trade a roll of tape for this floater.

isbister is better than half of the canuks roster
and heez isnt even good

[itsJ.Millertime]

Originally Posted by Blouin

good move by the Blueshirts since they did not give up anyone currently on team

Good for who? Not me, now I have to watch this stiff clog up yet another roster spot here in Hartford while a guy I want to see like Francis Lessard is a healthy scratch! Yeah great move!