Back in October at Madison Square Garden, newly acquired James Wisniewski made inappropriate gestures to Rangers’ left-winger Sean Avery following some post-whistle pushing. His lewd behavior resulted in a two-game suspension and may have influenced the Islanders decision to move the defenseman north of the border – or it’s another sign the team has realized diminishing playoff hopes may lead to the moving of veterans.

It could also be a combination of both, but either way, the roster move acquired a pair of draft picks from the Montreal Canadiens as the Islanders continue their youth movement for a promising future.

The Islanders will receive Montreal’s second-round selection in 2011 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2012.

Wisniewski, 26, led all Islanders’ defensemen in scoring with 21 points on three goals and 18 assists. He played in 26 games prior to the trade.

The Canton, Michigan native joined the Islanders on July 30 through a trade from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Last season with Anaheim, Wisniewski finished second among Ducks defensemen in scoring with a career-high 30 points (three goals and 27 assists) in 69 games. He also led the Ducks in blocked shots with 102, ranked second on the team with 129 hits and finished fourth among skaters in average ice time at 24:20. Wisniewski was Chicago’s fifth round selection (156th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Wisniewski has 118 points (20 goals and 98 assists) in his NHL career. Prior to joining the Canadiens, the defenseman has played for the Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks.