RUCCHIN TO THE RANGERS
The New York Rangers acquired center Steve Rucchin from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for defenseman Trevor Gillies and a conditional draft pick in 2007.
What does it give the New York Rangers
The Rangers add more leadership, two-way acumen and size up front. On the downside, Rucchin does nothing to promote the club's youth movement. Expect Rucchin to play a second-line role behind Michael Nylander. He'll also kill penalties and take key face-offs for the Blueshirts.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
Gillies will probably remain AHL fodder, so this deal was mainly done to clear salary-cap space--following the signing of Teemu Selanne. Rucchin and Mike Leclerc (also dealt for cap purposes) will be missed up front, but the Ducks are committed to giving a few youngsters more ice time--specifically Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.
Fantasy impact
