New York Rangers: Five worst trade deadline deals of the Lundqvist era

5. Keith Yandle for Anthony Duclair, John Moore, and picks

I’ll start the list with a trade that wasn’t as bad in theory, so much as it was in practice after the fact. In 2015, with the trade deadline coming up quickly, the Rangers made a major move in acquiring defenseman Keith Yandle. It seemed as though they had their powerplay quarterback for the foreseeable future.

The haul given up for Yandle was lucrative, to say the least. Arizona received a first (2016) and second (2015) round pick, as well as one of the Rangers’ finest offensive prospect in Anthony Duclair. John Moore was no throw in either, he had shown promise since joining New York from the Blue Jackets.

Perhaps the assets given up for the Rangers would be more palatable if Yandle was used properly. However, in an era plagued by the coaching decision nightmares of Alain Vigneault, that would not be the case.

Yandle did his best to cover up his coach’s mistakes and performed well in his lesser role in New York. In 2015-16, Yandle recorded 47 points (42 assists), including 22 power play points.

Rangers’ management misused Yandle during his time under their control but also botched his exit. Instead of making the most of his value and trading him at the following deadline, they moved him at the 2016 draft for just a 6th and a 4th-round pick.