Rangers acquire rights to center Barclay Goodrow; trade Brett Howden to Vegas

Originally posted on Forever Blueshirts | Last updated 7/17/21

The New York Rangers got serious today about reshaping their bottom six. Chris Drury has acquired the rights to center Barclay Goodrow from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a seventh round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

That wasn’t the only move they made as they traded Brett Howden to the Vegas Golden Knights for defenseman Nick DeSimone and a 4th round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

Rangers Acquire Barclay Goodrow

Per the Team’s Press Release:

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has made two trades. The Blueshirts acquired forward Barclay Goodrow from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. In addition, the Rangers acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft (originally belonging to Winnipeg) and defenseman Nick DeSimone from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Brett Howden.

Goodrow, 28, skated in 55 games with Tampa Bay this past season, registering six goals and 14 assists for 20 points, along with a plus-16 rating and 52 penalty minutes. He also recorded six points (two goals, four assists) in 18 playoff games while helping the Lightning win the Stanley Cup.

The Rangers will now have negotiating rights with the 6-2 and 203 lbs pivot. Goodrow is everything the Rangers have been looking for in a bottom six forward who is coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.

According to Chris Johnston, there’s rumors teams are willing to offer him a six year-deal if he hits the open market. This is a steep price in term, but it’s one the Rangers are very likely to pay.

Goodrow brings size, speed, and can kill penalties, He also isn’t afraid to mix it up.

“Thank you for absolutely everything,” a message from the Lightning read to Goodrow. “You’ll be missed.”

Of note with #NYR acquiring pending UFA Barclay Goodrow's negotiating rights: There's chatter that some teams are prepared to offer him a six-year deal if he hits the open market on July 28. https://t.co/Wt5Gs4I8n5
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 17, 2021

Rangers trade Brett Howden

Brett Howden was the Rangers 4th line center but struggled to develop his game. He played in over 178 contests for the Blueshirts and picked up 49 points.

Nick DeSimone skated in 22 AHL games last season and is not expected to be part of the big club next seaosn.

This article first appeared on Forever Blueshirts and was syndicated with permission.

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