Jan 27, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Darroll Powe (14) takes a shot against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

In some surprising news today, the Rangers have dealt Mike Rupp to the Minnesota Wild for forwards Darroll Powe and Nick Palmieri. Palmieri will be sent to the Whale immediately.

Then the Rangers also called up 2011 first round pick J.T. Miller and Brandon Mashinter from the CT Whale.

Benn Ferriero has been sent down to the Whale. Interesting that he’s been sent down as I thought he’s been playing well.

The Rangers right now have 12 healthy any forwards, and it would appear the days of Stu Bickel playing forward are over. What a relief that is.

JT Miller’s call up is likely an experiment to see how he matches up against the big boys of the NHL. I don’t think Torts would call him up just to play him five minutes a night. That would be absurd. The team will want to see Miller get his feet wet with the NHL and then take it from there. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play a few games and then be sent down either.

We’ll have more news regarding lineups and such after tomorrow’s morning skate. Be sure to check out my pre-game and five questions before the game.

Sep 24, 2011; San Jose, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) passes the puck past San Jose Sharks center Brandon Mashinter (72) during the second period at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers have traded Tommy Grant and a conditional draft for Brandon Mashinter of the Sharks.

Not a blockbuster trade by any means, but a good depth trade for the Rangers.

Some info on Mashinter. He’s 6’4 235 pounds and apparently has good wheels. He put up 33 points in each of his last two AHL seasons taking part in 62 and 65 contests respectively. In 2009-10 he had 37 points in 79 games.

Not a terrible move by the Rangers to acquire him. He fits the mold of a 4th line NHLer and could maybe take the spot of Rupp or Asham if they get injured.

Even if this is just a move to help improve the Whale, it’s still a good move nonetheless. Tommy Grant was never going to make the Rangers because Mike Rupp is currently occupying that enforcers role on the team. Mashinter at least has a shot of playing in the near future.

It’s not a blockbuster of a trade but it’s the first trade of the year.

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