The 10 best trades in the history of the New York Rangers

Canadian professional hockey player Mark Messier of the New York Rangers hoists the Stanley Cup championship award trophy over his head as teammates American Brian Noonan (#16) and Canadian Glenn Healy (#30) look on during the opening night of the 1995 NHL season, Madison Square Garden, New York, January 20, 1995. The 1994-95 Season was shortened to the 1995 Season because of a lockout in Fall 1994. The Rangers opening game was against the Buffalo Sabres and they lost 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – 1976: Dale Tallon #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates with the puck as Nick Fotiu #22 of the New York Rangers defends during their game circa 1976 at the Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images) /

#10 Left wing Nick Fotiu acquired from the Hartford Whalers for a 1981 5th round draft pick.

January 15, 1981

A list of the best trades by the franchise has to include this sentimental choice.

Staten Island native Nick Fotiu had already had one stint with the Rangers after signing with the team as a free agent in 1976. Rangers fans were heartbroken when he was claimed by Hartford in the 1979 expansion draft.

Although he reached a career high with 10 goals in his first season in Hartford, Fotiu bled Ranger blue. In the middle of his second season, Craig Patrick re-acquired him for a draft pick (who never played in the NHL).

Fotiu went on to play four more seasons with the Rangers before finishing his career with stops in Philadelphia, Calgary and Edmonton. In his eight seasons with the Rangers, he scored only 41 goals, but his 970 career penalty minutes ranks 6th on the Rangers all-time list. He will forever hold the distinction of being the first NYC-born New York Ranger.

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