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Report: Isles can defer 2014 first-round pick traded to Buffalo if it’s a Top 10

John Tavares Press Conference

UNIONDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 15: Islanders General Manager Garth Snow speaks to the media during a press conference to announce center John Tavares has signed a six-year contract extension with the New York Islanders on September 15, 2011 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Islanders)

Mike Stobe

More details have emerged about Sunday’s trade that sent Thomas Vanek to the Islanders from Buffalo for Matt Moulson, a first-round pick in 2014, and a second-round pick in 2015.

Not only did the Sabres retain part of Vanek’s salary in the deal, as per Sportsnet’s report earlier today, they also gave the Islanders an insurance policy of sorts:

From TSN.ca:

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun added Tuesday that if the 2014 first-round draft pick acquired by Buffalo in the deal ends up being a Top 10 selection in June, the Islanders would have the option to defer the pick to the 2015 draft.

So basically, if the Isles stumble badly this season, they’re off the hook. Not that that’s their intention, but it’s nice to be covered, right?

Related: What’s Garth Snow thinking?