Day: July 17, 2021

As the trade freeze went into effect ahead of next Wednesday’s expansion draft, GM Chris Drury executed his first two trades since taking over the job, sending fourth line forward Brett Howden to Vegas in exchange for 26 year old minor leaguer Nick DeSimone and a 2022 4th rounder, along with a 2022 7th round pick to Tampa for the negotiating rights to Barclay Goodrow.

Having been acquired in 2018, Howden – a first round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning – showed some promise in his first pro season, and quickly established himself as a regular.  Since that time the 23 year old has struggled to progress, finishing the past season with just one goal – an empty netter, in 42 games played.  With the Rangers wanting to add more edge to their line-up, Howden was always going to be a likely target for replacement.

With around 30 hours remaining until protected lists are due to the NHL, the Rangers have come to terms with forward Julien Gauthier on a one year deal worth $775,000.  The deal marks the third of the thirteen RFAs signed since Chris Drury took over as GM of the Rangers.

The signing means the Rangers now have the option to protect two of Gauthier, Brett Howden, Kevin Rooney and Colin Blackwell.  Initially there was some thought that Gauthier might be the one that Seattle chooses on the 21st in the expansion draft, given Kraken GM Ron Francis was involved in drafting him with the Hurricanes, but there has been some suggestion that Kevin Rooney might be more of a target.