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Grading the trades that made this team what it is

By Steve Paulus

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 26: Derick Brassard #16 of the New York Rangers celebrates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL game at the Bell Centre on March 26, 2016 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 26: Derick Brassard #16 of the New York Rangers celebrates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL game at the Bell Centre on March 26, 2016 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 20: Rick Nash #61 of the New York Rangers skates against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 20, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)”n
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 20: Rick Nash #61 of the New York Rangers skates against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 20, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)”n /

Trade #3 -February 25, 2018

When the Bruins traded for Rick Nash they thought they were getting the final piece of a Stanley Cup puzzle.  Instead, he played only 11 games in the regular season and added 12 in the playoffs, hampered by injuries and a concussion that forced him into retirement that summer.

Ryan Lindgren was a University of Minnesota defenseman who made his Rangers debut last season and was just promoted to the NHL this week.  He’s a tough, gritty blueliner with a mean streak who has shown steady improvement since turning pro.

Matt Beleskey was nothing more than a cap relief piece of the deal while Ryan Spooner had an excellent month wit the Rangers and was awarded with a two year contract.  After a slow start last season, Jeff Gorton cut bait and swapped him to Edmonton for Ryan Strome, one of the most one-sided trades last season.

The Rangers flipped the first round pick along with the second round pick they got from New Jersey to Ottawa to move up in the draft so that they could select K’Andre Miller.

On draft day in 2018, they swapped the seventh round pick from Boston for Carolina’s seventh round pick in 2018 so they could draft Riley Hughes, a forward who is playing his first season at Northeastern University.

Though Nash had been a long time Ranger, he was headed to free agency and re-signing him was doubtful.  In Lindgren, the Rangers got a player who could be manning their blueline for many years to come.  Ryan Strome has revived his career in New York and is playing top minutes.  We’ve talked about K’Andre Miller’s potential and if Riley Hughes can make it to the NHL some day, this trade will be an overwhelming win for the Blueshirts.

Trade day grade:  B
Hindsight trade grade:  A
Potential trade grade:  A+

Trade #4 – February 26, 2018

This is one that has backfired on the Blueshirts.  Graves has become a regular on the Avalanche blueline. He has become a valuable third pair shutdown defenseman.  Possessing one of the hardest shots in the AHL, Graves never really got a chance with the Rangers and at the time, it was a simple swap of two minor leaguers.

Chris Bigras was the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 draft by Colorado. He had two brief stints with the Avalanche and the Rangers were hoping a change of scenery would turn around his career.  it didn’t happen and this summer, he signed with the Flyers as a free agent and is playing in the AHL with Lehigh Valley.

With Bigras gone and Graves playing regularly, this trade is already a loser.  If Graves continues to grow and develops into a longtime NHL regular it will be end up even worse.

Trade day grade:  C
Hindsight trade grade:  D
Potential trade grade:  F

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