The NY Rangers have acquired winger Chris Higgins along with defenseman Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh, and Pavel Valentenko in exchange for Scott Gomez, Tommy Pyatt and Mike Busto.
Gomez, signed in 2005 to one of the worst contracts in NHL History, has been largely a disappointment in NY. Known for his speed and play making ability, Gomez never settled down here in NY. He is coming off a down season for the Rangers, finishing with 58 points, his lowest total since 2002-2003.
Higgins, a 26-year-old restricted free agent winger, also struggled in 2008-2009, scoring a career-low 23 points in 57 games as he missed a combined 25 games with hand and groin injuries. However , Chris has major upside and a cheaper contract. He has tremendous quickness and two-way aplomb. Can line up anywhere and be used in virtually any game situation. Owns above-average offensive upside.
Higgins recorded three straight seasons of at least 20 goals and he'll be a more economical option for the Rangers as he earned $1.7-million last season.
McDonagh, 20, was Montreal's first-round pick in 2007. He is a defenseman with the offensive skill to rush the puck and gain the offensive zone. Has a quick first step, makes quick and accurate passes out of the defensive zone, and shows a good shot from the point. Has the ability to dominate games but still shows the inconsistency of a young player in some of his decision making.
Valentenko, 22, has good size at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, but left the Canadiens' farm team in Hamilton early last season to play for Moscow Dynamo in the KHL, where he finished with one assist in eight games.
Credit TSN.Ca.
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