New York Rangers: The ten worst trades in franchise history

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ST. PAUL, MN – MARCH 13: A NHL Shield Logo on the back of the net during a NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche on March 13, 2018 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. The Avalanche defeated the Wild 5-1.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

#10- Goalie John Ross Roach traded to Detroit for cash.

October 25, 1932

John Ross Roach had won a Stanley Cup in 1922 for the Toronto St. Patricks. The Rangers acquired him before the 1928-29 season in exchange for their own Cup winning goalie, Lorne Chabot.

Roach would be the number one Rangers goalie for four years (1928-32). To this day, he still holds the team’s records for shutouts (13) and goals against average (1.41) in a single season.

The Rangers soured on him during the 1932 Stanley Cup Final after he allowed six goals in each of the three games (it was a best of five at the time). Lester Patrick dispatched him to the Detroit Red Wings for $11,000.

Roach didn’t last long in Detroit, playing only three more seasons, but in his first season he posted a career high 25 wins, was a first team All-Star and finished third in voting for the Hart Trophy.

Without Roach, the Rangers still went on to win the 1933 Stanley Cup with Andy Aitkenhead in goal. This deal makes the list because of the success Roach had after leaving and because the Rangers got nothing in return except cash. .

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