Isles Ship Potvin To Vancouver

December 20, 1999 / 12:34 AM EST / CBS/AP

The New York Islanders traded goalie Felix Potvin to the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night, just hours before the NHL's roster-freeze for the Christmas holiday.

The Islanders received goalie Kevin Weekes, right wing Bill Muckalt and center Dave Scatchard in exchange for Potvin, a 2000 second-round draft choice and a conditional draft pick.

"We're pleased with the package we were able to get," Islanders general manager Mike Milbury said. "All three players fit in with Butch Goring's system and our organization's plans for the future."

The Islanders, who beat New Jersey 5-3 on Sunday night, were expected to start Potvin. However, the goalie was pulled from the starting lineup and sat on the bench throughout the game.

"I got a call from Mike and was told that Potvin couldn't play tonight," said Goring, the Islanders coach.

That fueled rumors that Potvin was going to be dealt before the midnight EST roster-freeze that will remain in effect until Dec. 27.

"It was something I guess that was coming since training camp," Potvin said. "It's going to make it tougher because it was so close to Christmas."

Potvin, acquired from Toronto on Jan. 9 for Bryan Berard and a sixth-round draft pick, was 5-14-3 in 22 games with a 3.21 goals against average this season.

The 28-year-old goalie became expendable in New York with the emergence of rookie Roberto Luongo.

"Felix is a solid NHL goaltender who has demonstrated All-Star potential during his young career," Vancouver general manager Brian Burke said. "He has played well under trying circumstances over the past few years, but we believe he is still one of the better goaltenders in the NHL."

With regular backup goalie Wade Flaherty lost for the season with a shoulder injury, Luongo was called up from the minors to serve as Potvin's backup.

Luongo made 46 saves Sunday night in the Islanders' first home-victory since Nov. 4.

"I would say it was a deadline for the Islanders," Burke said. "If Roberto Luongo is their starter, and they can get three players, that's a good trade for them."

It's also the second quick trade for Weekes, who was part of the deal that sent Pavel Bure from Vancouver to Florida.

At the time of that trade, Burke called Weekes "the goalie of the future."

There was speculation last week that Potvin would be dealt to the Canucks for goalie Garth Snow, but that was angrily denied by Burke.

With an injury to Florida starting goalie Trevor Kidd, rumors of a deal between the Islanders and Panthers swirled as well.

"Recent events in the league have accelerated interest in Felix," Burke said. "I decided it was time to pull the trigger. It was a lengthy process and I'm going to sleep well tonight."

Muckalt had 16 goals and 20 assists as a rookie with the Canucks last season. This season he had four goals and eight assists in 33 games.

Scatchard had just four assists in 21 games this season and did not play in the last two games. He has gone eight games, dating to Nov. 22, since his last point.

Weekes is 6-7-4 with a 2.86 GAA this season, and Burke said he was very frustrated with Vancouver's play in goal.

"I don't feel either one has done it," Burke said. "I'm tired of starting games down 1-0 and 2-0. I put up with it for as long as I could, I think I was patient with both of them. Now I've made a move that says `I think we need a No. 1 goaltender."'