The New Jersey Devils have acquired RW Michael Grabner from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2nd round draft pick and defenseman Yegor Rykov. This marks the first trade between these divisional rivals since the Devils moved to New Jersey.
The Devils have been a surprise team this year, and are officially buyers this trade deadline. Grabner is a speedy winger who scores a lot of goals. He doesn\’t rack up many assists, but it\’s a decent trade-off considering his goal numbers. They give up a second round pick for a rental, which isn\’t that bad, and Rykov, an unsigned Russian defenseman.
Grabner, 30, has scored 25 goals and six assists for 31 points in 59 games for the Rangers this season. In his NHL career for the Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders and Vancouver Canucks, Grabner has scored 156 goals and 88 assists for 244 points in 532 games.
For the Rangers, they are sellers, who are trying to trade their smaller pieces before the big ones. They traded Nick Holden, their smallest piece, than Grabner. They are paving the way for a Rick Nash or Ryan McDonagh trade. They get a second rounder, which is pretty good for a rental, and Rykov, who they\’ll look to sign.
Rykov, 20, has scored two goals and 12 assists for 14 points in 51 points for St. Petersburg of the KHL this season.
I think this is an even trade. The Devils get another goal scorer, while the Rangers get a pick and a young prospect. It\’s a fair deal.
CarterHud 