When the Rangers traded Vlad Namestnikov to the Ottawa Senators late Monday, thoughts immediately went to how the Rangers will fill the gap. Discussions were about Filip Chytil, Vitali Kravtsov, or even Vinni Lettieri being called up. There were talks about this being a move that leads to another, larger move. In reality, the trade is what it is – a salary dump of a $4 million fourth line winger.
While the trade is what it is, there are still implications for the future roster. The fourth line is currently Lias Andersson centering Brendan Smith and one of Micheal Haley and Greg McKegg.