Everyone knew the Rangers were in the sweepstakes to get Ryan Clowe, and sure enough Tuesday night they did just that in what I think was a very smart move by GM Glen Sather. Clowe for 3 picks, a 2nd round pick, 3rd round pick (Fla), and a conditional pick which could be a second or 5th. Rumor after that was the Rangers would be looking to dump salary so they'd have the possibility to resign Clowe and some other off-season players such as Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, & Ryan McDonagh. I figured they'd part ways with someone like a Taylor Pyatt (1.44 mil) or Brian Boyle (1.6 mil) both who are struggling to find offense. But they threw a curveball at everyone in the mid afternoon.
A very quiet morning on Wed made people feel as if no more big moves would come down and then about 2:45pm chaos broke free as the Rangers traded away their "star" winger in Marian Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In return they received Derrick Brassard, Derek Dorsett & John Moore.
The trade was a win-win for both teams, maybe even better for Columbus depending how Gaborik plays for them. What helps the Rangers most here is moving Gaboriks salary (7.5 mil) so by next season according to "@capgeek" on twitter NYR will be 15 mil UNDER. Basically allowing them to bring back youth and possibly Clowe.
Upside for new Rangers players:
Ryan Clowe: Gritty and tough forward, brings an edge back to NYR that left with Brandon Prust signing in Montreal. Has potential to be 20+ goal scorer.
Derrick Brassard: Talented young forward, has the ability to bury the puck gives Rangers offensive weapon on 3rd line.
Derek Dorsett: Another tough winger, not afraid to mix it up and throw his body around. Also adds offense to 4th line (if he gets ice-time).
John Moore: Former 1st round pick (21st overall, 2009 Draft) brings a ton of upside and SPEED on the back end. Could be solid w/ 3rd pair.
With that being said I wish Marian Gaborik the best of luck in Columbus, we'll see him next year when he's in our division (ballsy move by Sather) & welcome the new NYR Forwards.
Off-Season to Come:
New York Rangers will have 4 UFA and 4 RFA come the end of the season:
UFA RFA
Ryan Clowe (3.625 mil) Ryan McDonagh (1.3 mil)
Roman Hamrlik (3.5 mil) Derek Stepan (875 k)
Steve Eminger (750 k) Carl Hagelin (875 k)
Matt Gilroy (650 k) Michael Sauer (1.25 mil)
I can see them parting ways with Steve Eminger, Matt Gilroy & Michael Sauer. Depending how much Hamrlik is looking to get its possible they bring him back but I'm not sure they do. Mac, Step, Hagelin, and Clowe will most likely all be resigned. All together I say around 13 mil (estimated) for the 4 of them.
What will happen? Only time will tell for now lets hope this team picks up a W against Pittsburgh in the Garden tonight.
