The Rangers finally made the much rumored, discussed and debated deal of Michael Del Zotto, trading him to the Predators for Kevin Klein.

Despite having played better of late, Del Zotto was still in the cross-hairs nightly. Every mistake, real or perceived, by MDZ drew the ire of every Rangers fan. Even a move from the right side back to the left, which corresponded with improved play, wasn't enough to place him back in most favored status. Personally, I think MDZ was and is a lot better than he was given credit for. He was the best in going from defense to offense and making the stretch pass, but his movement back to the left side meant that John Moore had to shift to the right, which has adversely impacted his game. The end result was a deal.

Del Zotto's value, due to all the rumors, likely was suppressed. Getting Klein, a RH shot, allows them to move Moore back to his usual left side. In addition, as Klein is more of physical, defensive-defenseman, enabling Moore to rush up ice more knowing he has Klein back on D, as opposed to when Moore was paired with MDZ, since each were more offensive type d-men. For MDZ, he likely will be paired with Seth Jones on the second pairing in Nashville, seeing second pairing PP time while playing in a similar defensive oriented system to how the Rangers used to play, where preventing goals was the first focus.

One other factor. MDZ, making $2.55 million this year, was going to be an RFA after the season and likely command a decent contract. Klein is signed for four more years after this season at a reasonable $2.9 million, and if Dan Girardi, a UFA after the season, can't be re-signed, Klein could move up to the second pairing.

Those of you who have read me consistently know my view of Del Zotto. Personally, I felt he got a bad rap, though is production had waned from how good he was when the Rangers went to the ECF. Offensively, he is light years ahead of Klein and I think he has a lot more to give and show, which could be evident in Nashville or if he moves on as an RFA. I would have liked to get more than Klein, but if he can be a stabilizing, physical force and allow Moore to regain the form he showed in the playoff drive and run last year, then I will be okay with it, even though I believe Del Zotto will blossom as he ages.

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