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What the Rangers did at the deadline that they’ve failed at before

By Steve Paulus

Apr 9, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Andrew Copp (18) celebrates after scoring a goal against Ottawa Senators during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Andrew Copp (18) celebrates after scoring a goal against Ottawa Senators during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK – MARCH 12: Marian Hossa #18 of the Atlanta Thrashers plays the puck against Sandis Ozolinsh #24 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2006 in New York City. The Thrashers defeated the Rangers 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – MARCH 12: Marian Hossa #18 of the Atlanta Thrashers plays the puck against Sandis Ozolinsh #24 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2006 in New York City. The Thrashers defeated the Rangers 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images) /

The blueliners

We considered taking defensemen out of the comparison, but there were a couple blueliners who made their mark as soon as they arrived on Broadway.  You’re not going to see Justin Braun setting any scoring records, but he is a decent experienced depth addition.

Does anyone remember Sandis Ozolinsh? In 2006 the Rangers sent a third round pick to Anaheim for the 33-year-old veteran defenseman.  All he did was score three goals and 14 points in 19 games.  He did nothing in the four game sweep by the Devils in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2015 Glen Sather thought he had pulled off highway robbery by acquiring Keith Yandle from Arizona and getting them to pay half of Yandle’s salary.   He sent a first and second round pick along with Anthony Duclair and John Moore to the Coyotes.  Yandle played 21 games for New York that season scoring two goals and adding nine assists. Both goals were game winners.  Yandle is one of the few deadline acquisitions who played well in the regular season and the playoffs.

Other defenseman picked up include Brendan Smith in 2017,  Brian McCabe in 2011, Derek Morris in 2009 and Paul Mara in 2007.  None of them starred in their brief regular season debuts on Broadway.

Turning to forwards, there were a few that worked out.

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