New York Rangers deal Michael Grabner to the Devils

The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers have made their first ever trade, sending Michael Grabner to the Devils for a prospect and pick.

The trade amongst division rivals makes sense here. The Devils are trying to win now and needed to bolster the depth on their offense. The New York Rangers have openly thrown in the towel and are beginning to sell to re-build. The details of the deal are below:

Grabner is was the Rangers’ leading goal scorer and will help the Devils immediately.

Cory Schneider is expected to return soon and both will be key for a Devs run through the post-season.

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The Rangers have gone as far as they can go in the playoffs with their team so selling off players to build for the future is the ideal move.

New Jersey now might have some more defensive struggles with Grabner not being the best on defense. He does not generate much offense as he only has six assists but that makes him a great fit.

The Devils with players like Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier are offensive gurus and can help make players around them better.

New Jersey made a late push for Michael Grabner. A lot of teams were interested in the speedster. But the Devs can use him the most right now.

There is a chance Grabner stays in NJ for the long-haul as well. He is going to be a free agent at season’s end but if he leads them to the playoffs and beyond a longer contact is an option.

As for the Rangers, they trade for much-needed youth talent.

Their resurface began with a trade on draft day. But really. Already having made one trade this year, the blue-shirts get a good defense prospect from the KHL in Rykov.

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The Devils had a plethora of picks and prospects to give up after years of rebuilding which allows them to be buyers.

The NHL trade deadline is Monday. I do not expect these teams to do business with each again after this.

Grabner joins the list of very few who have played for the Isles, Rangers, and Devils. Welcome to the Empire All-Time team, Michael.