The Islanders traded the rights to Johnny Boychuk to the Sabres in exchange for future considerations, the team announced Thursday afternoon.
Boychuk, who retired last November due to an eye injury, had been on long term injured reserve. He carries a $6 million cap hit, with his contract expiring after this season.
The move effectively amounts to a salary cap maneuver for both teams. After trading Jack Eichel, it allows the Sabres to hit the cap floor. For the Islanders, it gives them a little more flexibility to make a move later in the season.