Perhaps the Rangers are starting to makes some real moves?
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The New York Rangers have traded the rights to veteran defenseman Keith Yandle to Florida for the Panthers’ sixth-round pick in Friday’s National Hockey League draft.
While Yandle provided an offensive spark to the Rangers’ blue line, his mental lapses in the defensive zone often cost the Blueshirts’ games. In return the Rangers are getting a 6th round draft pick, as well as a conditional 4th round pick that is reportedly on the condition that Yandle signs in Sunrise.
If the Rangers can continue to off-load big contracts, (Nash) they could be on their way to a true rebuild.
In March of 2015, the Rangers acquired Yandle from the Arizona Coyotes and Chris Summers for a package that included young forward Anthony Duclair, a 2016 first-round draft pick and a 2015 second-round pick. Yandle finished the season with two power play goals and 20 assists. Both Brian Campbell and Willie Mitchell are unrestricted free agents – though the team has said it wants to re-sign Campbell.
The Panthers were looking to add a defenceman after trading Erik Gudbranson to the Vancouver Canucks last month.
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By acquiring Yandle, Rowe believes the organization is showing its fan base it is ready to become a contender.
