The Rangers traded LW Marcel Hossa and G Al Montoya to Phoenix for LW Josh Gratton, G David Leneveu and RW Fredrik Sjostrom
As I wrote for the New York Times blog last night:
Some people leave jobs and steal staplers. Don Maloney left New York and stole players. He took a roster regular and a former top pick for a lousy fourth-liner, a minor-league goon and a bust goaltender. Police!
I have to stand by my comments on this one. It was a steal for Maloney. People are saying how Monty was a bust, but even though he had been outplayed by Miika Wiikman, he still put together a 16-8-3 record with a 2.54 gaa and .908 save percentage. Is that great? No. Is that bad? No. Yes he will be a restricted free agent, but goaltenders take longer to mature and Monty never got a shot at NHL action. He likely would not get it with us, but he was drafted sixth overall in 2004 and you would hope to get a better return. You figure Hossa for Sjostrom is essentially a wash - fourth liner for fourth liner - so that means the Rangers dealt a first round draft pick for a minor league goon in Gratton and a different bust of a goaltender. Goons are a dime a dozen and, unlike Monty, Leneveu got his shot at the NHL and failed. 
Benoit Allaire thinks he can revive Leneveu's career, but who cares? He will still run into the same issue as Montoya as Wiikman, Valley and Hank will still be ahead of him. Besides, if he was so sure of his skill, why did he give up on one of his students? And as I said, goons are a dime a dozen, Gratton is nothing special - another punk welterweight. He will be a help in Hartford, protecting the kids with Franky Lessard out and Mitch on the Fritz but again, goons are a dime a dozen. There is an entire league of them, so I think tendering a minor league contract to one of them would be a better deal than giving away a former first rounder. Sjostrom could prove to be a decent addition, but we already have a European skill player who can't score in Petr Prucha and, unlike Hossa, Sjostrom has no shot of playing across from Jagr. Better scouting, both in terms of the 2004 draft and in the minor leagues, could have made this trade unnecessary and even a day later it still looks like a severe downgrade. The Rangers acquired D Christian Backman from St. Louis in return for a fourth-round draft pick.
I told the Times that:
Instead of trading Marek Malik, we acquired the Blues’ version of him: a disappointing, big, soft, overpaid defenseman who is sure to be the bane of my existence soon.
That is almost certain to be an accurate prophecy. However, Sather and Renney don't seem to trust any of the kids in Hartford and are afraid to risk Hutch and Pock to waivers, so they picked up an insurance policy. Backstrom ain't Allstate, but he does have NHL experience should injuries hit. And who knows? Maybe playing in front of his old friend Hank will put the spark into his play that made him a first round pick ... But, given how happy the Blues fans are to be rid of him (that's him on the far right in the photo, out of position behind the Ducks forwards), I don't see it happening. So all told, I won't jump on the FIRE SATHER bandwagon, but I am disappointed he didn't work harder. He traded with his friends, rather than going out on a limb or actually doing some scouting. The Rangers are somehow on a 5-0-2 run with their roster as is, so maybe they can keep it going as is and take the team to the playoffs and do some damage once there ... I don't think they will, but would love to be proven wrong!
Trade Deadline Day: A Retrospective - Unpacking the High-Stakes Deals and Impact
In the world of sports, few days are as thrilling and nerve-wracking as Trade Deadline Day. This pivotal moment in various sports leagues, notably the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL, often sees teams making last-minute deals to bolster their rosters or reshape their future. It's a time when the sports world holds its collective breath, waiting to see which teams will make the most significant moves. In this retrospective article, we will delve into the history, impact, and dynamics of Trade Deadline Day, highlighting some memorable trades and answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this exciting phenomenon.
Section 1: The History and Significance of Trade Deadline Day
1.1 Origins of Trade Deadline Day
Trade Deadline Day has its roots in the desire to maintain fairness and competitiveness in sports leagues. In the early days of professional sports, teams could make trades throughout the season, potentially leading to imbalanced rosters. To address this issue, leagues introduced trade deadlines, restricting player movement after a certain point in the season.
1.2 The Significance of Trade Deadline Day
Trade Deadline Day is significant for several reasons:
Competitive Balance: The deadline ensures that teams cannot make significant roster changes too late in the season, thus maintaining a level playing field.
Fan Excitement: The anticipation and unpredictability of the day generate immense excitement among fans, sparking debates and discussions across the sports world.
Team Strategy: Teams must evaluate their performance, strengths, and weaknesses, making strategic decisions that could impact their chances of success.
Section 2: Memorable Trade Deadline Day Deals
2.1 The Herschel Walker Trade (1989 - NFL)
One of the most iconic trade deadline deals in NFL history, the Minnesota Vikings sent a massive package of players and draft picks to the Dallas Cowboys for running back Herschel Walker. This trade had far-reaching consequences, as the draft picks acquired by the Cowboys led to the formation of the team's dynasty in the 1990s, winning three Super Bowls.
2.2 The Pau Gasol Trade (2008 - NBA)
The Los Angeles Lakers' acquisition of Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008, just before the NBA trade deadline, played a pivotal role in the Lakers' championship run. Gasol's addition complemented Kobe Bryant and propelled the Lakers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances, winning two championships.
2.3 The Doug Gilmour Trade (1992 - NHL)
In a blockbuster deal that shocked the hockey world, the Calgary Flames traded star center Doug Gilmour to the Toronto Maple Leafs just before the NHL trade deadline in 1992. Gilmour's impact on the Leafs was immediate, leading them on a deep playoff run and revitalizing the franchise.
2.4 The CC Sabathia Trade (2008 - MLB)
The Milwaukee Brewers' acquisition of pitcher CC Sabathia from the Cleveland Indians at the MLB trade deadline in 2008 is a prime example of a "rental" player trade. Sabathia's dominant performance in the second half of the season helped the Brewers secure their first playoff berth in 26 years.
Section 3: The Dynamics of Trade Deadline Day
3.1 Player Value
Assessing a player's value is a complex process that takes into account their performance, contract status, and potential impact on the team. Teams must decide whether to buy, sell, or hold based on these factors.
3.2 Buyer vs. Seller
Teams can be categorized as buyers or sellers during Trade Deadline Day. Buyers seek to acquire assets to enhance their chances of winning, while sellers look to trade valuable players for future assets, such as draft picks and prospects.
3.3 The Role of Agents
Player agents play a crucial role during trade negotiations, advocating for their clients' best interests. They work closely with teams to secure favorable deals while considering factors like no-trade clauses and player preferences.
3.4 Last-Minute Deals and Drama
Trade Deadline Day is known for its dramatic last-minute deals, with teams racing against the clock to finalize transactions. These deals often involve multiple players and draft picks, adding to the day's excitement.
Section 4: FAQs About Trade Deadline Day
4.1 Why is Trade Deadline Day so important in sports?
Trade Deadline Day is crucial for maintaining competitive balance in sports leagues. It adds excitement to the season, encourages strategic decision-making by teams, and keeps fans engaged.
4.2 Can players refuse to be traded on Trade Deadline Day?
Players with no-trade clauses in their contracts can refuse to be traded, giving them some control over their destinations. However, players without such clauses must adhere to the team's decision.
4.3 How do teams prepare for Trade Deadline Day?
Teams spend weeks leading up to the deadline evaluating their rosters, identifying weaknesses, and scouting potential trade targets. They also engage in discussions with other teams to explore trade possibilities.
4.4 What happens to players involved in trades on Trade Deadline Day?
Players involved in trades must undergo physical examinations with their new teams to ensure they are fit to play. Once the trade is finalized, they relocate to their new city and join their new team.
4.5 Do all sports leagues have trade deadlines?
Not all sports leagues have trade deadlines, but many professional leagues in North America, including the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL, have established deadlines to maintain competitive balance.
Trade Deadline Day remains a pivotal and exhilarating moment in the world of sports. It's a time when teams must make strategic decisions that can shape their immediate and long-term futures. Memorable trades, like the Herschel Walker Trade and the Pau Gasol Trade, have left an indelible mark on the sports landscape, showing the enduring impact of decisions made on this day. As fans eagerly anticipate each year's Trade Deadline Day, the excitement, drama, and high-stakes deals continue to captivate the sports world, reminding us of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of professional athletics.
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