His efforts in returning to the league after the illness earned him the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 1992. On June 20, 1993, with the expansion draft for the Florida Panthers and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim approaching, the Islanders traded him to the Quebec Nordiques for Ron Hextall and a swap of first-round picks.
His endeavors to rejoin the league following his illness led him to receive the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 1992. On June 20, 1993, as the expansion draft for the Florida Panthers and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim was about to occur, the Islanders exchanged him for Ron Hextall and a swap of first-round picks with the Quebec Nordiques.