Rangers Deal Rupp To Wild

The two teams that made the biggest splash in the off season are off to starts that are below their expectations. The New York Rangers and the Minnesota Wild made a deal on Monday night. The Wild acquired Michael Rupp from the Rangers for minor-leaguer Nick Palmieri and Darroll Powe. During the off season both teams made huge moves. The Wild signed top free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to 13-year, US$98 Million contracts respectively. Similarly, the New York Rangers acquired Rick Nash, Steven Delisle and a conditional third round draft pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a first round draft pick. The Wild are off to a mediocre 4-4-1 record while the Rangers are at .500 at 4-4-0. In Michael Rupp the Minnesota Wild add a gritty veteran presence with Stanley Cup Playoff experience. In Powe, the Rangers get a player who is capable of playing on the penalty-kill. Last year Powe led his team in blocked shots with 91 and short-handed ice time with an average of 2:27 a game. While both players are fourth-liners, they will both be extremely important in their team’s long-term success.