The New York Rangers traded Rick Nash to the Boston Bruins on Sunday. As part of the trade, the Rangers acquired Ryan Spooner. Spooner has played one game for the Rangers in which he assisted both of the Ranger goals in 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
The Rangers traded Nick Holden earlier in the week to the Bruins and Michael Grabner to the New Jersey.
On Monday at 2 PM (Central Standard Time, which is 3 PM Eastern Standard Time), I assumed that the Rangers had not made any more moves since the trade deadline had passed. However, I was wrong. A few minutes after the deadline I was shocked and completely stunned to learn that the Rangers had traded their captain and star player Ryan McDonagh. Along with McDonagh, the NY Rangers traded JT Miller to the Lightning. This is the second time in less than five years that the Rangers have traded their captain to the Tampa Bay Lightning. (In 2014 the Rangers traded their captain Ryan Callahan the Lightning). In this trade, the Rangers acquired a 2018 first round pick, a second round conditional pick, Vladislav Namestnikov, and two prospects. Although I am disappointed and do not think that the Rangers should have traded either Nash, Grabner, or McDonagh, I do like the additions of Ryan Spooner and Vladislav Namestnikov.
As a New York Rangers, fan I would like to thank Captain Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash, Michael Grabner, Nick Holden, and JT Miller for all that they have done for the New York Rangers. From Stanley Cup Finals to the President Trophy and seven straight playoff appearances these players have cemented themselves as star players in Rangers history.
Also as a Ranger fan, I would like to welcome Spooner and Namestnikov to the New York Rangers.
