A Trick and a Trade

Hours after Marian Gaborik single handedly defeated the surprisingly good Colorado Avalanche, I read about the Kotalik trade. Late last night, after even more irritating behavior by Ales Kotalik, the trade was finalized. In sending away Kotalik and bringing in Olli Jokinen, Glen Sather killed two birds with one stone.

When analyzing this trade its critical to remember the expiring contract factor. Jokinen has one, Kotalik does not.

Everywhere he's been, Olli Jokinen has been enigmatic at best, a headache at worst. Now on his 6th team, this former 39 goal scorer will likely move onto his 7th this summer. He's a rental for the Rangers. He may provide an offensive spark and be a skilled center on a line with Gabby or he may recede into the background. It almost doesn't matter.

The best part of this trade is the Rangers managed to get out from under the Kotalik contract. This gives them economic flexibility moving forward.

Its sad to lose Higgins and I was curious to see what he'd do in his second year in New York. But he's a worthwhile sacrifice given the circumstances.

And young Brandon Prust may provide some 4th line toughness and depth that will hopefully make New York tougher to play against and also keep Brashear off the ice.

So, not a bad couple of days for the Blueshirts. A win on the road, a hat trick for Gabby and a trade that could help in the short term, and will help in the long term. Now lets see if they can build on this in LA tonight.