BRUINS BRING IN DEFENSEMAN NICK HOLDEN
The Boston Bruins acquired defenseman Nick Holden from the New York Rangers for defenseman Rob O'Gara and a third-round draft pick in 2018.
What does it give the Boston Bruins
The Bruins were in the market for a left defenseman, but rumors had them on the hunt for a bigger name (such as Ryan McDonagh, Holden's former teammate in New York). Instead, they decided to add more depth in the form of Holden--a versatile defender who skates well and can play on either side of the ice. He might replace rookie Matt Grzelcyk on the Bruins' third pairing down the stretch, or simply add another NHL-caliber blueliner to the roster. Boston has Cup aspirations.
What does it give the New York Rangers
For the Blueshirts, this is the first of what many expect will be several trades involving veteran Rangers before the February 26 deadline. O'Gara is a 24-year-old defenseman in the final year of his contract who is probably ready to play in the NHL. New York may call him up and give him an extended look before the end of the regular season. Adding a third rounder to this trade in return for a 30-year-old pending UFA is a nice deal for Rangers GM Jeff Gorton. Expect more to come!
Fantasy impact
This trade hurts all Grzelcyk fantasy owners, but perhaps Holden's arrival to Boston is merely for depth purposes. Either way, Grzelcyk owners must prepare for the worst. This deal helps the values of young Rangers defensemen such as Neal Pionk, Tony DeAngelo, John Gilmour, Ryan Sproul and (possibly) O'Gara. As for Holden himself, his value remains fairly negligible.
