Trades
- Carl Hagelin, Pick 59 and pick 179 to Anaheim for Emerson Etem, pick 41 (all picks in the 2015 draft).
Grade: C
This move was a complete salary cap cutting move. I give it a low grade because after the move was made, it made the team worse.
Did the move have to be made to give the Rangers cap room to work with, yes, but that does not mean I need to like it. This trade will hinge on if Etem can take the next step in his development and become a solid Top-12 forward.
Oh Carl Hagelin how I will miss the flowing locks as you speed around the ice causing the other teams power play all sorts of problems. While I would love to still see you in a Rangers uniform, paying a lot of money for a role player is just not in the cards when you can be replaced for a lot less.
- Ryan Haggerty to Chicago for Antti Raanta
Grade: B
This move was made once the Rangers found a taker for backup goalie Cam Talbot. Instead of the Rangers getting into a bidding war for a backup veteran goalie, they took the cost certainty of Raanta and it is a smart move.
When you have King Henrik between the pipes for 60-plus games a year, there is no need to overpay for a backup.
- Cam Talbot pick 209 to the Edmonton Oilers for pick, 57, 79 and 184 (all picks in the 2015 draft)
Grade: B
Yes, I know every Rangers fan had visions of obtaining a first round pick or ever two second round picks for Cam Talbot, but considering he is a back-up goalie with a limited resume getting three picks is a good haul.
Glen Sather was trying to work his magic by floating out rumors that he had turned down major offers for Talbot. While I commend him for trying, Talbot was traded for his exact value.
The Rangers need to infuse the prospect pool and obtaining three picks for a back-up goalie is the correct move.
