Islanders Sign Golatender Dubielewicz but Blue Jackets Claim Him Off Waivers

The New York Islanders cannot seem to catch a break this season with their goaltending. On Thursday, the Islanders signed goaltender Dubielewicz to a one-year contract due to injuries to Rick DiPietro and Joey MacDonald. However, he had to pass through waivers before he could suit up with the team and was claimed off waivers on Saturday by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dubielewicz played in 20 games last season with the Islanders, posting a 9-9-1 record with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. He signed a contract with Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League this past summer. In 21 KHL games, he posted an 11-8-3 record with a 2.77 goals-against average. The Blue Jackets' claiming of Dubielewicz off waivers comes amidst rumors that Pascal Leclaire may require season-ending ankle surgery. This is kind of a dirty move by the Blue Jackets, considering they could have claimed Vancouver goaltender Curtis Sanford off waivers this past week. Islanders' GM Garth Snow has to be absolutely livid right now, but there are other options for him to consider. He could keep going with Yann Danis and Peter Mannino as the goalie tandem, hoping that their play improves, or he make inquires to the Vancouver Canucks or Ottawa Senators regarding Curtis Sanford and Martin Gerber, respectively. Perhaps Snow could convince fellow GM's Mike Gillis and Bryan Murray to place the goaltenders on waivers, but I have a sneaking suspicion they could try to squeeze Snow for a draft pick. As for the Blue Jackets, Dubielewicz should be a fine addition to their goaltending corps. He will likely backup Steve Mason, who is having a stellar rookie season. Dubielewicz will give the Blue Jackets a solid backup for the rest of the season, but his and Mason's lack of playoff experience could spell any early playoff exit for the team if they manage to make the playoffs.