Rapid Reaction: Rangers trade Nick Holden for Rob O’Gara and a 2018 3rd Round Pick
On Tuesday Morning, February 20th, the New York Rangers announced the trade of defenseman Nick Holden.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have acquired defenseman Rob O’Gara and a third round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Nick Holden. pic.twitter.com/cjihKfrXUq
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 20, 2018
This is the first domino to drop for the Rangers before Monday’s trade deadline and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, GM Jeff Gorton seems to be doing the right things. The fact that Holden brought in something more than a 4th or 5th round pick is fantastic, and the added depth defenseman is the cherry on top of this deal. Some insight from NHL experts and insiders are below:
Rob O'Gara is a native of Massapequa, NY. He was a fifth-round pick (No. 151) by the Bruins in the 2011 NHL Draft #NYR
— Jon Lane (@JonLaneNHL) February 20, 2018
Strategically it seems very smart that Holden is the first to be traded. If you can set the market as a 3rd round pick for him than Nash, Grabner and McDonagh will bring in quite a bit more.
— Stephen Valiquette (@VallysView) February 20, 2018
O'Gara, by the way, is expected to join the Rangers immediately, as opposed to being assigned to Hartford. #NYR
— Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) February 20, 2018
Fans have been sour on Holden for quite some time, so this trade is music to many Rangers fans ears. Reports are that O’Gara will play for the big club this season, which is always good when a young player can step in right away at the NHL level.
One of the most important aspects of this trade is that the Rangers have increased the number of picks they have in this upcoming draft. Since they are on the rebuilding path it’s essential that they have as many picks as possible to play with. Gorton did a good job on this deal and we can hope for other good deals like this going forward.
The Rangers now have 7 picks in the 2018 draft: A first, second, two thirds, fourth, fifth and sixth. Their number of selections will likely grow too.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) February 20, 2018
In Holden’s time here he had some good moments for the team but it’s clear that it was time for him to go. It’s clear some members of his former team will miss him though:
https://twitter.com/grabs40/status/966003555596464129
Stay with us at Forever Blueshirts for more information about this trade and the Rangers as we continue to move toward the deadline.
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