Islanders get winger Dmytro Timashov from Red Wings
Red Wings left wing Dmytro Timashov plays against the Avalanche in the second period of an NHL game on March 2 in Detroit. Credit: AP/Paul Sancya
Something about Dmytro Timashov still intrigues Lou Lamoriello.
The Islanders president and general manager acquired the 24-year-old Ukrainian forward from the Red Wings on Friday for future considerations. Timashov was originally a fifth-round pick of the Maple Leafs in 2015 and Lamoriello was hired as Toronto’s GM less than a month after that draft.
Timashov has played 44 NHL games, including five games without a point for the Red Wings last season after they claimed him off waivers from the Maple Leafs just prior to play being halted on March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Wings did not qualify for the postseason.
The 5-10, 192-pound Timashov had four goals and five assists in 39 games for the Maple Leafs last season playing on the fourth line before being placed on waivers. He was a member of the Toronto Marlies — the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate — in 2018 when the team won that league’s Calder Cup championship in Lamoriello’s final season as that organization’s GM.
He likely fits as a bottom-six forward in the NHL and scouting reports note his ability to play a defensively responsible game while also displaying good skating and playmaking abilities.
Timashov is a restricted free agent after completing a three-year, two-way deal that carried an NHL cap hit of $694,444. Timashov can remain on the Islanders’ reserve list until July 1, 2024 if they are unable to re-sign him.
The Islanders have approximately $3.9 million in cap space under the flat, $81.5 million ceiling but will get some cap relief with defenseman Johnny Boychuk, who carries a $6 million cap hit the next two seasons, unable to continue his career because of an eye injury.
The Islanders still must re-sign top-line center Mathew Barzal, an RFA who will likely wind up with a contract carrying a cap hit of around $7 million.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
