The Rangers finally ended the speculation today when they exchanged Mike York and a draft pick for defenseman Tom Poti and left winger Rem Murray. In a matter of a week Rangers GM Glen Sather has traded two fan favorites for a couple of former Oiler picks in Rucinsky and Poti.
The American born Poti had struggled this season after registering just 1 goal this year, down from a career high of 12 in the previous season. The Oiler defenseman had drawn the ire of the hometown crowd and there was some suggestion that he had approached his GM for a trade.
In York the Oilers get their much needed second line center. A hard-working player who turns up every night, York endeared himself to the Rangers faithful despite being under appreciated by many hockey pundits and considered to small for the grind of everyday NHL play.
The former centerman who had converted to play wing alongside Fleury and Lindros, had struggled in the second half of the season with only 3 goals since January 1st.
Speculation ran rampant after York failed to suit up for the Boston Bruins game and then intensified once again after the Bure deal was announced yesterday. York’s linemate Theo Fleury got caught speaking too soon as did many fans when he was quoted as saying “Thank God we’ve still got Yorkie”.
The Rangers also acquired Rem Murray, a defensive minded winger who did managed to score 21 goals back in 1998-99 but is more renown for his penalty killing and steady play.
Details:
To New York – Tom Poti, Rem Murray
To Florida – Mike York, 2002 4th Round Pick