The NHL’s annual league-wide auction commonly known as the trade deadline has come and gone. The New York Rangers, as expected, jettisoned their three pending unrestricted free agents for an assortment of high draft picks and younger players. Adam McQuaid was shipped off to Ohio’s state capital. Kevin Hayes was sent to the frozen tundra of Canada’s “Great White North.” Mats Zuccarello traded in his Metro Card and Subway map for a cowboy hat, spurs and some authentic down home Texas chili. By far, the diminutive Norwegian’s departure was the most painful for Rangerstown as one saddened Ranger fan after another took to social media to express their thanks, gratitude and well-wishes for the perennial Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award candidate.
The Rangers Future Belongs to Kreider and Zibanejad
