RANGERS SWAP FOR SYKORA
The New York Rangers acquired winger Petr Sykora and a fourth-round draft pick in 2007 from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for defenseman Maxim Kondratiev.
What does it give the New York Rangers
The Rangers made this move in hopes of boosting their second-line offense a little bit. Sykora, a 29-year-old veteran who won a Stanley Cup with the Devils a few years ago, can play either wing and was once known for a deft scoring touch. He hasn't quite been the same scorer over the past few years, but he has upped his game a bit over the past month, so the Rangers have some reason to believe he can be a real contributor--even helping out on the Rangers power play.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks had been trying to find a taker for Sykora for months, and finally found the deal they were looking for with the Rangers. They've been going with a pretty old defense corps this year and Kondratiev, a 22-year-old rookie, will eventually make them a little younger. He has the potential to be a good all-around defenseman but, so far, his defense has been much more visible than his offense--which isn't a bad thing for a young defenseman. The kid figures to man the Ducks' blueline for years to come, but will start out in the AHL.
Fantasy impact
