New York Rangers trade Alexandar Georgiev to Colorado Avalanche for three picks

alexandar georgiev
Mar 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (40) puts on his goalie mask after the national anthem during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Rangers have sent the negotiation rights of pending RFA goaltender Alexandar Georgiev to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for three picks.

This is an absolute tremendous deal for GM Chris Drury as the Blueshirts were not expected to extend Georgiev his $2.65M qualifying offer and thus make him a UFA.

The Avalanche send over a 3rd round pick (97 overall) and a 5th round pick (161 overall) in this year’s draft. The Rangers will also receive a third round pick in the 2023 Draft.

GM Joe Sakic wasstill in talks with pending UFA goalie Darcy Kuemper but it now appears he’s out of the mix.

Here’s an updated look at the Rangers’ picks in 2022:

  • Round 2, 63rd overall
  • Round 3, 97th overall
  • Round 4, 111th overall
  • Round 5, 159th overall
  • Round 5, 161st overall
  • Round 6, 191st overall

New York Rangers trade Alexandar Georgiev

alexandar georgiev
Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers found themselves in a good position to get something for goaltender Alexandar Georgiev before the NHL Draft.

The 26 year-old undrafted netminder has been looking for an opportunity to become a stater dating back to last season. There were certainly several teams interested in acquiring him near the trade deadline and a rumored deal with the Arizona Coyotes that fell through when Igor Shesterkin was hurt in January.

While he may not be affordable to the Rangers as an RFA being owed a $2.65M qualifying offer, other teams with pending UFA goalies may jump at the chance to grab him. The Avalanche, which ultimately were able to acquire him was one of the teams in the mix including Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New Jersey Devils.

Georgiev, 26, struggled early on in the year, but he did finish with a solid 15-10-2 record. His GAA was decent at 2.92 and he had an .898 SV%, with 2 shutouts. He certainly upped his trade value by closing out the season from March 15 on with a 8-1-0 record, a 2.45 GAA and a .909 SV%.

For his career with the Rangers, he went 58-48-11 with a 2.94 GAA and .908 SV%.

The Rangers will now look to fill his role as the backup with a proven veteran. Names to watch are Thomas Greiss, Martin Jones, and Jaro Halak.

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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