Lock Monsters Get Two More Defenseman
By Alex Pufhal
The Islanders added two more defensemen to their roster who should see time in Lowell. Veteran AHL defenseman John Namestnikov. He has also played in the Vancouver organization prior to coming to New York in the Trevor Linden deal. Namestikov spent last season between New York and the Islanders affiliate in Utah.
The Islanders also acquired defenseman Ray Giroux from the Philadelphia Flyers for a 6th round draft choice in the 2000 entry draft. Giroux, 22 from North Bay, ONT was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 1998 as a member of the Yale Bulldogs. He was ECAC Player of the Year, named the Conference's best defensemen and was a first team All-America.