The New York Rangers have responded to the Mikko Rantanen blockbuster that sent the Finnish winger to the Carolina Hurricanes by acquiring a superstar of their own. They have brought a former first-round pick of the organization home. J.T Miller will return to the Blueshirts after he was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NHL entry draft in a trade that sees the Rangers lose a young member of the future. It's an important trade for the Rangers.
Filip Chytil is being sent back to the Rangers in this deal. His injury history made it hard to grab a spot in the top six sustainably, but he was a great member of that kid line. But now that leaves just Alexis Lafreniere of that former kid line that dominated the playoffs many years ago. Chytil will get a fresh start in Vancouver, where he can show what he can do in an elevated role in Western Canada.
New York also acquired defenseman Erik Brannstrom. A former first-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights, Brannstrom was traded to the Ottawa Senators in the trade that sent Mark Stone to the Golden Knights. After a few seasons in the Canadian capital, Brannstrom was signed in free agency by the Colorado Avalanche. He didn't work there and fought for a roster spot with the Canucks. He'll also be trying to help the Rangers rejuvenate their blueline.
New York also gave up Victor Mancini and a protected first. With the extension of Will Borgen, it seemed that Mancini's path to the NHL had a roadblock thrown in it. Trading him is best for the player, and he'll have a bright future in Vancouver. The protected first hurts, but Miller can score 100 points, so it's hard to complain about the value here.