Thu, Feb 9, 2023 at 2:50pm

TARASENKO TRADED TO THE RANGERS!

The New York Rangers acquired winger Vladimir Tarasenko and defenseman Niko Mikkola from the St. Louis Blues for winger Sammy Blais, defenseman Hunter Skinner, a conditional first-round draft pick in 2023 and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2024.

What does it give the New York Rangers
Tarasenko is a great addition to a Rangers squad that is thin on right wing. He is likely to play with fellow Russian winger Artemi Panarin and adds both size and scoring to the Blueshirts up front. Mikkola is a solid defensive defenseman who should play a role in New York down the stretch, likely on the third pairing next to Braden Schneider. This is a great trade for New York.

What does it give the St. Louis Blues
St. Louis will receive the later of New York's two first-rounders in 2023 (either their own or the Stars' pick). The fourth-rounder will likely become a third-rounder because all New York has to do is make the playoffs in 2022-23 to trigger the condition. Blais returns to St. Louis and should be a much better fit there than he was in New York. Skinner is not an NHL prospect; he is a throw-in.

Fantasy impact
Tarasenko's stock figures to rise significantly after this trade. He is in the final year of his contract but is probably very interested in staying with the Rangers over the long haul. Mikkola and Blais do not have much fantasy value, while Skinner is not a factor for the NHL level.