Blue Line Station
Fansided

Catching up with New York Rangers dealt prior to this season

By Rachel Nones

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) celebrates with teammates Vladislav Namestnikov (90), Marc Staal (18) and Ryan Strome (16) after scoring a goal in the first period of the NHL game between the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning on December 10, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa,FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) celebrates with teammates Vladislav Namestnikov (90), Marc Staal (18) and Ryan Strome (16) after scoring a goal in the first period of the NHL game between the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning on December 10, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa,FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 31. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 31. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The New York Rangers made a lot of moves to prepare for this season and many of their traded players ventured into different directions this year. Former Rangers were swapped to three different divisions: Central, Atlantic and one within the Metropolitan. From there, some have moved again, but nevertheless they take a piece of New York them.

The New York Rangers organization set their sights on a rebuild which was cemented by an open letter from President Glen Sather and General Manager Jeff Gorton almost two years ago. They alerted their faithful followers that a transformation would begin to take shape and they were orchestrating a vast change.

Fans then may not have grasped that this chapter would indicate such grand construction, this soon. With 21 Rangers players moved since the letter was published, and increasing participation shopping around in the market, the Rangers still have more moves to make.

Delightfully so, the Original Six franchise has been ahead of the curve as the game of hockey transforms more and more into a game of skill and speed. Gorton’s qualifications and judgements have been under scrutiny of Rangers fans since valid arguments can be made to determine his success or failure with the rebuild.

Despite specific opinions on Gorton’s decisions, the changes have been profound, shocking, and even heartbreaking. But above all, the changes have been quick. Two years later, as we will explore, the roster looks completely different– and the whole league knows it.

So each season while we approach the trade deadline, Rangers fans, in particular are reminded of the leaps and bounds that have transformed their beloved team. They are also reminded that the Rangers are fun to watch again, it’s unpredictable and frustrating at times but it’s necessary to be a contender, so if that is what it takes to bring the Cup back to New York, go right ahead.

Let’s turn our attention to the six key players from last season who are no longer with the team, and analyze their contributions as well as their current numbers.

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