The New York Rangers went into the trade deadline with a ton of uncertainty. They have been very active this season with trading away and bringing back players over the past few months. But, once it came to the trade deadline itself on Friday afternoon, they weren't as active as one might think.
How exactly did they do, and what does it mean for the rest of the season?
This was a wacky and wonky trade deadline for the NHL. There were several blockbuster trades throughout the league, and the rest of this regular season and postseason will surely be exciting to watch. What the Rangers did at the deadline , and really for the better part of this season, might have been a very smart move for the futue.
Obviously, the last couple of trades before the last two days do not really count toward this grade. J.T. Miller coming back from Vancouver for Filip Chytil and company was a home-run "A+". Getting a solid return for the "Warrior" Ryan Lindgren was also an "A". itself. But, looking at both Thursday and Friday's dealings nets the Rangers a "B" grade.
What were the deals?
The thing that jumps off the page is not a trade, per se, but an extension. The Rangers inked Urho Vaakanainen for two more seasons at $1.55 million AAV. This is a great addition for the next two seasons, as the defensive unit will need some re-shaping from Lindgren's trade and the lengthy injury to Adam Fox.
The next thing that highlights the day's dealings is the acquisition of Carson Soucy from Vancouver. The Rangers needed another defenseman, and they got a large body in Soucy for a third-round pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
Moving on from Smith, stayed away from big fish
Finally, the Reilly Smith experiment in New York has officially come to an end Unfortunately, things like this just happen, when something that looks so good on paper just doesn't pan out the way one wants it to. Smith goes back to Vegas for a third-rounder and forward Brendan Brisson.
The smarter thing to do for this trade deadline, as the Rangers are tied for a playoff spot at the moment in the Eastern Conference wildcard, was to not bite at the big fish. There were some great options to choose from, some solid veteran help and an influx of young guns looking for a fresh start. The Rangers did a great job at not biting and becoming too invested in something that might not pan out after this season comes to a close.
Making smart decisions with their salary cap and not sinking the ship with a rental player for the playoffs, the Rangers earned themselves a respectable "B."