Rangers Trade Gaborik to Columbus

The New York Rangers have dealt forward Marian Gaborik to the Blue Jackets in exchange for forwards Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett, defenseman John Moore and a 2013 sixth-round pick.

After a very slow start to today’s trade deadline the Columbus Blue Jackets made a huge splash when they announced that they had traded for the 31-year-old Gaborik.After the Blue Jackets traded away Rick Nash it seemed like they were going to be rebuilding for the next few years. However they sit tied for 10th in the Western Conference just one point out of eighth.

Gaborik has scored 30-plus goals seven times in his 12 year career and that includes three 40-goal seasons. He is a dynamic offensive player with great speed and a great shot. As good as he has been throughout his career he has struggled mightily in New York this season. In his three previous seasons as a Ranger he recorded 210 points in 220 games, but this year he has just nine goals and 10 assists in 35 games.

The move to Columbus should certainly help Gaborik’s fantasy value. According to Pierre McGuire he  has a good relationship with former Rangers and current Blue Jackets Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky. He will be leaned on more heavily to produce in Columbus than he was in New York, which should bring out the offensive creativity that we saw when he was in Minnesota. Hopefully for Gaborik’s fantasy owners sake, the change of scenery will help him out.

The Rangers receive the 6th overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Derrick Brassard. He is a strong skater with excellent playmaking abilities. He has seven goals and 11 assists in 34 games this season. They also receive Derek Dorsett who is a big physical player who is not fantasy relevant. As far as John Moore goes, he is another former first-round selection. He is a 6-foot-3-inch defenseman who is an excellent skater and has a solid two-way game.