Islanders Place Veteran Witt on Waivers

After activating Brendan Witt from injured reserve Wednesday, the Islanders have decided to place him on waivers. The 34-year-old alternate captain, who has two goals and three assists and a plus/minus rating of -18 in 42 games, is known for his grit and toughness, but his ice time has dwindled significantly throughout the season.

GM Garth Snow said the move is less of a knock on Witt's play but rather a testament to the development of some of the Islanders' young defensemen and the organization's confidence in their play.

"It's probably more indicative of how well Jack Hillen has performed, Andrew MacDonald, and most recently Dustin Kohn," Snow said. "For the way we want to play, it's an indication of how well they've played."

If Witt clears waivers by Thursday afternoon, he will report to Bridgeport. The Islanders were rumored to have been shopping Witt but could not find any takers because of the year left on his deal.

This is a good move for the Islanders and it seemed as though this was a long time coming because, despite Witt's incredible leadership, toughness and grit, he was very unproductive and the younger Islanders were playing much better than he was.

He, and it hurts to say this because I love Brendan Witt, did not warrant minutes based on his plus/minus rating and his lack of ability to help the team at either end of the ice. So long Brendan Witt, I, for one, will miss you.