"One of the most impactful was the 1997 trade that sent depth forward Dan LaCouture to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Polish winger Mariusz Czerkawski. At the time, LaCouture was a recent draft pick (2nd, 29th overall) with projected upside, while Czerkawski was still trying to establish himself in the NHL after splitting time between Boston and Edmonton. For the Islanders, the trade was a low-risk swing that turned into one of the brighter spots of Milbury's run as GM."
"The team would trade Czerkawski after the 2001-02 season to Montreal for a 5th-round draft pick in 2002 (Marcus Paulsson) and Arron Asham. The Islanders would bring him back the following summer, signing him as a free agent. In total, Czerkawski scored 145 goals and 275 points across 470 games in two stints with the Islanders. For a player acquired for virtually nothing, his impact was undeniable."
Mike Milbury traded Dan LaCouture to the Edmonton Oilers in August 1997 in exchange for Mariusz Czerkawski. Czerkawski emerged as a fan favorite and one of the Islanders' primary offensive threats in the late 1990s and early 2000s, providing speed, scoring touch, and consistent chance creation on otherwise weak teams. He scored 35 goals and 70 points in 1999–2000 and earned a 2000 NHL All-Star Game appearance. The Islanders traded him after 2001–02, then re-signed him the following summer. Across two stints he totaled 145 goals and 275 points in 470 games, while LaCouture served as a role player in 337 NHL games.
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