New York Rangers Drop Their Trade Bomb Early & Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko

Justin Berl. Getty Images.

The deal:

Blues get the later of the 2 Rangers 2023 first-rounders, a conditional 2024 4th-rounder (becomes a 3rd when Rangers make the playoffs), F Sammy Blais & D prospect Hunter Skinner

Rangers get F Vladimir Tarasenko (50% retained) & D Niko Mikkola

Here's what I recently wrote about the potential of the Rangers adding Tarasenko:

The other big name that should be on the Rangers radar is Vladimir Tarasenko. He's got a full no-trade so he'd have to approve it but I have a hard time believing he'd say no. After a healthy '21-22 campaign that ended with a 34/48/82 line, Tarasenko was cruising with 29 points in 33 games before a hand injury sidelined him for a couple weeks. He's been held pointless since his return but has gotten off 13 shots in 4 contests so it's safe to say he'll be fine. The Blueshirts could certainly use a pure shooter and Vladi has a history of stepping up in the postseason (41 goals in 90 games). The wild card here is that he's also got a history of inconsistent effort - but you'd like to think being moved to a contender that got his stamp of approval would ensure his engine is revved all the way through the playoffs. He definitely skated with some talented players in STL (Thomas & Buch), but nothing like the potential of riding alongside Panarin & Zibanejad. 

Timo Meier was always a pipe dream and, even though I'd have been thrilled to land Kane I'm not oblivious to question marks about his health. Of the big names out there that fit the bill for what the Blueshirts needed, Tarasenko was the most realistic option - and now it's a reality. With a top-flight RW finally in the fold, everything else falls into place perfectly. The lineup should be simple going forward. A juggernaut line, a young skilled line with chemistry & a straightforward north-south line that can do a little bit of everything in all zones.

Panarin-Zibanejad-Tarasenko
Lafreniere-Chytil-Kakko
Krieder-Trocheck-Vesey

Tarasenko has had a bit of a down year in terms of goal scoring but the chances have been there. He's solid off the rush and knows how to get open. If there's ever gonna be a resurrection of last year's high-flying Tarasenko it'll be skating alongside one of the league's premier passers in Artemi Panarin while the opposition also has to contend with marking up Mika Zibanejad. And how about a powerplay of Panarin/Zib/Tarasenko/Kreider/Fox?? Holy moly.

Mikkola is a nice little throw-in to contend for that 6th D slot Ben Harpur is currently hanging onto. He's another tall, rangy lefty who's never going to be a threat with the puck but a significant upgrade over Harpur in terms of mobility which, especially come playoff time, is gonna be important. In fairness he hasn't been great this year in STL but not too many players have. I'd assume he'll slot in right away next to Schneider and should put a nice little bow on a very reliable D corps from top to bottom. Worst case, with Libor Hajek waived, it's a subtle improvement to the 6D/7D rotation. Plus, Mikkola can play both sides in case of injury.

18-4-3 since December 4. Kids growing up into stars. Norris and Vezina winners in the fold. Now Vladimir Tarasenko is on board, the Rangers didn't have to give up any significant prospects (Othmann, Jones) OR their higher 2023 first rounder to land him & still have some cap flexibility for another relatively impactful depth forward. It's all coming up Rangers baby!!!

VIVA LA BLUESHIRTS!!!!