Have The New York Islanders Traded Bill Guerin? (UPDATED AT 2:00PM 3/2/09)

It appears Bill Guerin has played his last game as a member of the New York Islanders.

According to various outlets, (Andy Strickland on hockeybuzz, Chris Botta on Islanderspointblank, and tsn) the Isles have a deal in place to move Guerin, pending Guerin's approval.

Guerin has already said he would be open to waiving his no move clause to a contending team in the Easter Conference, if the right deal comes along.

Guerin skated with the team during warm ups, but was held out of the game as a precaution.  It was reported Guerin left the arena before the game began.

It is unsure where and what Guerin has been traded for.  A deal is expected to be completed and announced sometime tomorrow.  I'll do a follow up to this article with an analysis of the trade tomorrow once all the details are out.  Stay tuned.

On a sidenote: The Isles defeated the Sabres tonight 2-0 at the Nassau Coliseum.  Yann Danis recorded his second consecutive home shutout, and has only allowed one goal in his last three starts.  Sean Bergenheim tallied both Isles goals.  The Isles are 5-1-3 in their last nine home games. 

Next up for the Isles: Ryan Smyth makes his return to the Coliseum Monday night as the Colorado Avalanche invade the Coliseum.

8:30PM 3/1/09.  As per Chris Botta of islanderspointblank, the Isles sent out texts to the media stating there will be no trade announced tonight.  Botta speculates the potential deal is dead.

If this is true, then the Isles will have to look for a new trade partner.  I can't see Guerin playing another game for this team, after seemingly being held in limbo all day, and after what Greg Logan reported in Newsday today about the rift between Guerin and coach Scott Gordon.

It's a shame what happend here.  I thought Guerin has been an excellent leader for this team since he arrived, and was hoping he could be resigned for a year to mentor guys like Okposo and Comeau for another year.  That certainly won't be happening now.

2:00PM 3/2/09  JESSE JOENSUU CALLED UP.  Still no word on Guerin.  Guerin has grown increasingly frustrated, as he has done nothing to hold up the trade.  Apparantly neither have the Islanders, the "mystery team" has been holding things up.

As per Chris Botta, Jesse Joensuu has been called up to replace Guerin in the lineup tonight.  This will be Joensuu's NHL debut. 

JJ had 17goals, 13 assists, and a plus 30 in 56 games at the Bridge this season.

I did not expect to see him on the Island at all this season, but I'm happy to get a look at him, to see what another young player can potentially bring to the future of this team. 

The Isles have announced tonights game will start at the scheduled time, despite the weather.  Be sure to catch JJ's NHL debut tonight at 7pm on VERSUS against the Colorado Avalanche, as I'm sure many will not be going to the Coliseum tonight in the snow.

I'll be back tonight to recap the game, or earlier if any news about a Guerin trade (finally) breaks.