In 2011, the New York Islanders took a stab at signing what seemed to be a top-end defenseman just before he hit the free-agent market. But turns out he didn't want to play for the Isles. That defenseman was Christan Ehrhoff.
The Islanders acquired Ehrhoff's rights from the Vancouver Canucks on June 28, 2011, for a fourth-round pick at the 2012 NHL Draft. With 50 points in 2010-11, Ehrhoff was seen as that top pair defenseman that could chew up big minutes against the league top forwards and quarterback the power play.
Remember, the Isles 2010-11 blue line was lead by Andrew MacDonald and James Wisniewski.