Isles get Janney for draft pick

At last, Lightning makes a deal for the center, who was destined for the minors if no trade was completed.

The Lightning finally found a taker for center Craig Janney.

Janney was traded to the New York Islanders on Monday for a sixth-round pick in this year's draft, thus completing a two-week ordeal involving Janney, who would have been sent to the minors if he had not been traded.

"We were glad we had Craig Janney, but when we picked up (center) Chris Gratton,we had to make a move," general manager Jacques Demers said. "The other night, for example, Gratton played 20 minutes, and so did Vinnie (Lecavalier, a center). Then (center Darcy) Tucker played 19. That's almost the whole game. We really didn't have room anymore for Janney, and we're happy we were able to get something for him."

Janney started the season strong and even as of Monday was third on the team in points (22) and first in assists (18). But he fell out of favor in recent weeks and was scratched from the lineup for the first time Jan. 7. Four days later, Demers sent Janney home to wait for either a trade or a demotion.

The Lightning had one or two feelers for Janney last week, but not until the Lightning agreed to pick up part of Janney's salary did the Islanders agree to a deal. Janney makes $1.7-million this season, meaning he is owed about $800,000 for the rest of the season. The Lightning likely will have to pick up half that.

"But we got a sixth-round pick, and that could end up being a good pick," Demers said. "Look at Pavel Kubina."

Kubina, a Lightning defenseman, was a seventh-round draft choice in 1996, and the Lightning thinks he will be a star in the NHL.