Potvin Traded to Islanders

Goaltender Felix Potvin, who left the Toronto Maple Leafs Dec. 2 awaiting a trade, finally got his wish Saturday when he was dealt to the New York Islanders for defenseman Bryan Berard.

The teams also swapped sixth-round picks in this year’s NHL Entry Draft.

Potvin was Toronto’s No. 1 goalie for five seasons, twice helping the Maple Leafs to the Western Conference finals, but he was bumped to a backup role when Curtis Joseph signed a four-year $24-million contract last July.

Potvin started only five of the Maple Leafs’ first 25 games this season, posting a 3-2 record with a goals-against average of 3.81.

Berard, who won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 1996-97, has four goals and 11 assists in 31 games this season.

Berard was taken first overall in the 1995 draft by the Ottawa Senators but never signed with them. In January 1996, the Islanders acquired him in a three-team deal involving the Senators and Maple Leafs.

The Islanders hope Potvin can solve their goaltending woes. Tommy Salo has been inconsistent and the Islanders will look for Potvin to provide stability.