Melville, NY – Defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky has filed a grievance with the NHLPA to void his acquisition by the New York Islanders from the Anaheim Ducks in late June.
Newsday reported on Monday that Visnovsky is contesting the transaction based on a no-trade clause within his contract, one which he declined to invoke when the Edmonton Oilers dealt him to Anaheim in 2010.
The paper cited agent Neil Sheehy's argument that the move is not intended to block Visnovsky's arrival on Long Island, but rather to establish whether or not a player can be moved if a no-trade provision is included within a player's contract.
The matter has been relegated to arbitration. According to Newsday, if Visnovsky wins, he becomes Ducks property, but if Anaheim wins, the trade as it was consummated will stand.
It was on the first night of the draft, June 22, which saw the Islanders acquire Visnovsky from the Ducks in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2013.
Visnovsky totaled six goals and 27 points in 68 games for the Ducks in 2011-12, his second full campaign with the franchise.
The 35-year-old has compiled 117 goals and 450 points in 771 NHL games with Los Angeles, Edmonton and Anaheim since 2000. He is two seasons removed from career numbers of 18 goals, 50 assists and 68 points for the Ducks in 81 games.
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