Why Islanders traded for Ondrej Palat, and what Devils got in return

1 hour ago 2

The New Jersey Devils scratched Ondrej Palat from their lineup on Tuesday night, suggesting a trade was on the way.

It was. He's going to the New York Islanders.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported the details Tuesday about 8 p.m. ET:

Here's more of what we know.

MORE: Why Craig Berube has a huge cut on his head

Why did the Islanders trade for Ondrej Palat?

The Islanders were seeking someone with experience to help a playoff push while getting rid of Tsyplakov during a struggling season.

Palat is in the fourth year of a five-year, $30 million contract, so the Islanders hold him for one more season beyond this one.

The 34-year old winger has played 51 games this season for the Devils. He has just four goals and six assists.

In his NHL career, he has played 876 games, with 181 goals and 334 assists for 515 points.

He has spent four seasons with the Devils, rarely being productive to the level he was earlier in his career.

Palat first played for the Tampa Bay Lightning for 10 seasons, and he had 423 of his career points with the Lightning in 628 games.

Palat has done well for himself after originally being a seventh-round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft by Tampa Bay.

He has two Stanley Cup titles with the Lightning, too. That playoff experience could help.

MORE: This save from Tristan Jarry makes no sense after he lost his skate blade

The Devils received Maxim Tsyplakov in return for Palat and a couple late-round picks.

He's a 27-year old Russian winger.

He has played 27 games this season but just has one goal and one assist.

New Jersey is buying low in hopes he can turn things around with a fresh start.