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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2002 Season: Ab DeMarco gets back to help out Dave Kerr. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

#4 Goaltender Dave Kerr acquired from the Montreal Maroons for cash.

December 14, 1934

Dave Kerr was a goalie who accomplished something that Eddie Giacomin, John Davidson and Henrik Lundqvist have not accomplished. He led the Rangers to a Stanley Cup championship with one of the greatest seasons for a netminder in NHL history. In 1940 he played all 48 games finishing 27-11-10 with a 1.54 GAA and eight shutouts. He won eight more games in the playoffs with three shutouts.

This was a great “trade” because they didn’t have to give up a player to get him, sending just cash to the Montreal Maroons in exchange. As a result, they got one of the best goalies to ever play on Broadway.

He spent seven years in New York, winning the Vezina Trophy in 1940 and making the All-Star team twice. He played every single regular season game for five straight seasons and was the first hockey player to grace the cover of Time Magazine (in 1938). In 1940 he backstopped the Rangers to a then NHL record 19 game unbeaten streak.

How were the Rangers able to get Dave Kerr for just cash?

The Montreal Maroons were struggling financially after the Depression and by the mid-thirties were on the verge of suspending operations. Unloading Kerr to the Rangers for much needed cash was a no brainer for the Maroons and a gift to New York.

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