Reflecting on last season’s deadline exchanges may prove to be insightful for the New York Rangers moving forward. In particular, the loss of sturdy blueliner, Adam McQuaid may deliver a set of challenges impacting the near future. Within McQuaid’s brief tenancy as a Ranger, the veteran was able to notably elevate the game of fellow defenseman Brady Skjei. As pointed out by head coach David Quinn, he also believes that Skjei was able to improve McQuaid’s on-ice performance, resulting in a steady symbiotic relationship.
Despite the mutually prosperous pairing, McQuaid was traded to Columbus for 23-year-old Swedish defenseman, Julius Bergman and two 2019 draft picks in the fourth and seventh round.