Eric Cairns was claimed off waivers by the New York Islanders from the NY Rangers on December 22, 1998. He was the Rangers 3rd choice, 72nd overall, in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. Since coming to the Islanders Cairns has become more of a well rounded defenseman. He is a bit slow of foot, but his toughness on the blueline has been invaluable for the Isles. Cairns has been a solid 5th or 6th defenseman for the team over the last four seasons. Opposing teams tough guys always target Eric and he has gone through some adversity, especially in 2001-02. He was challenged early on in the season by NY Ranger tough guy Sandy McCarthy, which led to the now famous Theo Fleury chicken dance episode. Cairns made up for it in the next game at Madison Square Garden and clearly won a fight against McCarthy at center ice. But perhaps the biggest fight and most memorable moment of his short Islander career is the fight he had against Toronto Maple Leafs antagonist Shayne Corson in the closing moments of game 6 in the 2002 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Cairns won the fight so convincingly that as he skated away he saluted the loyal Islander fans, raising his finger in the air triumphantly. Corson was suspended for game 7 for kicking Cairns in frustration.

     Cairns became a free agent on July 1, 2004. Following the NHL lockout season, which he spent with the EIHL's London Racers, Cairns returned to find he was not going to be re-signed by the Islanders. He signed as a free agent with the Florida Panthers for 2005-06, but after 23 games found himself dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins.