From NHL.com:
It probably took more than one quick phone conversation, but with a “yes” from both sides Tuesday the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers made a deal that seemingly helps both squads.
The Rangers sent Scott Gomez and his hefty contract — which still has five years left on it — to Montreal in exchange for Christopher Higgins, who is a restricted free agent.
Montreal also sent the Rangers two defensemen, 2007 first-round draft pick Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko. New York gave up winger Tom Pyatt and defenseman Mike Busto.
The Canadiens were in the market for a center of Gomez’s ilk and obviously were not ready to give Higgins a long-term contract.
There is no doubt in my mind now that the Rangers will either trade or drop Wade Redden and take a run at Gaborik, Kovalchuk, Heatley, Hossa, or the Sedins.
I’m not so sure this signals the departure of Redden. Gomez at least made some things happen on the ice, even though he underperformed for his standards. Redden is useless.
I think that this trade could be a precursor for a Heatley trade, possibly involving any of the 3 players acquired from Montreal, or Sanguinetti or Del Zotto. McDonagh is a top, top prospect, picked 12th overall in 2007 and projected to be a top defensive pairing for many years. He is arguably better than either Sanguinetti or Del Zotto. Personally, I would rather trade one of them than McDonagh.
Here is what Hockey’s Future has to say about McDonagh: http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/ryan_mcdonagh.
All in all, great trade for NYR.
True, this has nothing to do with Redden. I just hope they get rid of him.
Amazing deal by Sather!