New York Rangers: Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta Traded to Arizona Coyotes
Dec 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Antti Raanta (32) and New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) celebrate after defeating the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers GM Jeff Gorton has finally made a splash in the 2017 NHL trade market. Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta are headed to Arizona.

It’s official. The New York Rangers have traded Derek Stepan, who’s no-trade clause kicks in on Jul. 1 and Antti Raanta to the Arizona Coyotes fo the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NHL entry level draft and young offensively talented defenseman Anthony DeAngelo.

The trade will free up around $7 million dollars in cap space for the New York Rangers while also ensuring that the Derek Stepan contract does not become an anchor in future years.

Many analysts are projected that acquiring the 7th overall pick in the draft will allow the New York Rangers to acquire another superstar center. Talks of both Alex Galchenyuk from the Montreal Canadiens and Matt Duchene from the Colorado Avalanche have been mentioned.

At the very least, the New York Rangers have cleared a considerable amount of cap space in order to make a big splash during free agency on July 1. Could this leave room to sign Kevin Shattenkirk and another superstar forward? The possibilities are endless.

Whether another big trade is looming or the New York Rangers are gearing up for free agency big changes are in the forecast for the Blueshirts in 2017-18. Fasten your seat belt it should be a good ride.

Good luck to Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta in Arizona. You have been integral parts of the New York Rangers success and we thank you for the hard work and dedication given to New York.

Die hard New York Rangers fan and podcaster. All NY sports. Yankees, Giants, Rangers LGR!