The Rangers continued their sell off, dealing Michael Grabner to the Devils in the first ever trade between the two sides. In return, New York acquired New Jersey's second round pick in this year's draft along with Yegor Rykov, selected by the Devils in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. In what looks to be a buyer's market, GM Jeff Gorton has now acquired two picks and two, young, big defenseman for Grabner and Nick Holden.

OFFICIAL: #NYR have acquired defenseman Yegor Rykov and a second-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft from New Jersey in exchange for Michael Grabner. pic.twitter.com/bx1Vyo3OkT

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 23, 2018

Grabner, making just $1.65 million this year in the second of the two-year deal he signed in July 2016, was a godsend for the Rangers. In the year and three-quarters in New York, Grabner scored 52 goals and 19 assists for 71 points. But it wasn't the scoring, his speed, versatility, as he can play left and right wing, and penalty killing abilities is what made him special. Yes, a good portion of his value was derived from the scoring, including the empty-netters, driven from his speed, but the aspects of his game, coupled with that low salary, make him valuable. The possession numbers may not have been there, but when playing with JT Miller and Kevin Hayes or last year with Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg, his true value could be seen. I hope he will be back with the Rangers next season.

Here's a short-handed goal from Grabner, assisted by Fast, during the playoffs last year. He was second on the team in points (6) during the 12 #NYR playoff games. Plus, him + Fast + Lindberg made a kickass fourth line that as really fun to watch. pic.twitter.com/b5mZq1JCES

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) February 23, 2018

Why did New York deal him to New Jersey? Pierre LeBrun gives the answer. If this was the best deal pout there, and no reason to think it wasn't, the Gorton showed guts by dealing him within the division, not worrying about the possible backlash or impact or fanbase view if Grabner leads the Devils to the playoffs. Those saying Gorton didn't get enough, why? The first rounder was a pipe dream and a hope. The second rounder was what was expected and in line with the market place. Plus, he netted another possible future asset, which only enhances the trade. To me, so far, Gorton is 2-for-2 in deals.

The Devils were a late arriving entry to the Grabner bidding. Some 10 teams showed interest and they were one of the last to reach out but made a late push and got him.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 23, 2018

This is from the Rangers' press release on Rykov:

Rykov, 20, has skated in 51 games with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) this season, registering two goals and 12 assists for 14 points, along with a plus-13 rating and 20 penalty minutes. He has established KHL career-highs in games played, goals, assists, points, and plus/minus rating this season. In addition, Rykov helped SKA St. Petersburg win the Gagarin Cup as KHL Champions during his rookie season in 2016-17, and he was selected as the KHL’s Rookie of the Week during the Gagarin Cup Quarterfinals and during the Gagarin Cup Finals.

The 6-3, 225-pounder helped Russia earn a bronze medal at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, registering one goal and six assists for seven points, along with a plus-seven rating in seven games. The Vidnoe, Russia, native was selected as one of the Top Three Players on his team, and he tied for first among all defensemen in assists in the tournament.

From someone who knows prospects and drafting well, Rykov looks to be a nice add. His youth and size stand out, looks to be more of a shut-down type d-man with some offensive ability, especially on breakout pass, that is a left-handed shot. Key, as seen in third tweet, will be getting him to come over. That may not be as big of an issue, since as seen in the fourth tweet, he played with Igor Shestyorkin and by the way, Ilya Kovalchuk.

Rykov is a very good defenseman who can compliment a kid like Skjei or Shattenkirk. Russian/KHL situation likely reason for getting passed over in 2015 and going late in 2016. Excellent first pass, keeps a tight gap and locks down the low slot. Very smart and NHL ready.

— Steve Kournianos (@TheDraftAnalyst) February 23, 2018

Rykov can play the power play but more as an augmentee than a QB. Breakouts are deliberate and methodical but does everything hard - passes, shots, hits. Plays a warrior-type game but not because he's always trapped in his own end.

— Steve Kournianos (@TheDraftAnalyst) February 23, 2018

NHL club exec on Grabner to Devs:
"Very good value for NYR, 2nd rd pick for 3rd liner & possible 4-5 NHL D in Rykov, who is poor man's Dmitri Orlov (B+ prospect). Catch is he's playing in KHL, they tend to lock up players. If he comes over it's a bonus, that's the trick for NYR

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) February 23, 2018

#NYR would've kept very close tabs on Igor Rykov this season, as he plays for SKA St. Petersburg, the same team as G Igor Shestyorkin - the heir apparent to King Henrik's throne.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 23, 2018

By acquiring the Devils' second-round pick, the Rangers now have eight picks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, including five picks in the first three rounds (their own first-round pick, their own second-round pick, New Jersey’s second-round pick, their own third-round pick, Boston’s third-round pick, acquired for Holden, their own fourth-round pick, their own fifth-round pick, and their own sixth-round pick). Once Rick Nash is dealt, which will be anytime now, maybe even Friday to possible Nashville or Boston or St. Louis etc., that pick list will grow. Same if Ryan McDonagh is traded, as is rumored to maybe Toronto or Tampa. The same when David Desharnais likely is traded, though at the back-end of the draft, unlike with Nash, which should be a first rounder.

Join the Discussion: » 790 Comments » Post New Comment

» Rangers look to take 3-0 series lead tonight in Washington

» Game 2: Rangers hold on for 4-3 win and 2-0 series lead

» Game 1: Rangers hold serve at home 4-1 over Caps behind the fourth line

» 2024 Series Overview and Preview - Round 1 - Rangers-Capitals

» Rangers-Capitals: Reading the Numbers, Looking for an Advantage