Isles Trade Trevor Linden

The New York Islanders trimmed their payroll Saturday when they traded center Trevor Linden to Montreal for the Canadiens' first-round pick in this year's entry draft.

Linden, 29, has signed a four-year contract with the Canadiens. He was to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

"It was a tough decision," Islanders general manager Mike Milbury said. "He's a class act and a good player. I won't kid you -- there were financial considerations in moving him."

Linden, the Islanders captain, made $2.5 million last season. He had 18 goals and 29 assists in 82 games.

"I didn't want to be traded and I didn't ask to be traded," Linden said. "I'll miss the guys I played with. Going to Montreal is exciting because it's the center of hockey."

The Islanders received the 10th overall pick in the draft for Linden, who was traded to the Islanders in February of 1998 after nine seasons with the Vancouver Canucks.

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