Tue, Apr 2, 2013 at 6:40pm

RANGERS ADD MUSCLE, GRIT WITH CLOWE

The New York Rangers acquired winger Ryane Clowe from the San Jose Sharks for a second-round draft pick in 2013, a third-round draft pick in 2013 and a conditional second-round draft pick in 2013.

What does it give the New York Rangers
The Rangers lacked grit this season. They lacked toughness. They lacked complementary players. In Clowe, they hope they got help in all three areas. Though he has yet to score a goal in 2013, Clowe is capable of playing a top-six winger role. He's also a natural left-winger, which should help a Rangers roster that was very right-wing heavy at the top. The price is steep in future assets, but the Rangers clearly believe they are in win-now mode. Clowe should help in that area, as he plays the type of game that usually thrives in the spring time.

What does it give the San Jose Sharks
The Sharks did very well here to land three pretty good future assets for a potential unrestricted free agent. On top of the second and third rounders, San Jose could also get an additional second-round pick if Clowe re-signs with the Rangers (or if the Blueshirts win two playoff rounds, reportedly). Otherwise, the conditional second rounder becomes a fifth-round pick. That's still a good deal for a player who really struggled in San Jose this season. San Jose needs to start getting younger anyway, so this is a good way to continue that process.

Fantasy impact
The Sharks and Rangers both have goal-scoring issues, so Clowe may not get much of a fantasy boost here. A fresh start with a new team in the heart of a playoff chase could do wonders for him, though. Just don't expect too much here, since Clowe is likely to play with other struggling offensive types in New York City (i.e. {P Brad Richards} and/or {P Marian Gaborik}).