Sun, Mar 1, 2015 at 5:04pm

RANGERS REEL IN YANDLE IN 7-ASSET DEAL

The New York Rangers acquired defenseman Keith Yandle, defenseman Chris Summers and a fourth-round draft pick in 2016 from the Arizona Coyotes for forward Anthony Duclair, defenseman John Moore, a second-round draft pick in 2015 and a first-round draft pick in 2016.

What does it give the New York Rangers
This deal gives the Rangers a huge offensive boost on the blueline. Yandle is an elite point-getter from the back end, and New York will need that if they hope to make serious noise in the postseason. Before this deal the Rangers' top-scoring D-man was the unheralded {P Kevin Klein}, so they have to be happy to add a player with Yandle's tools here (especially since he's under contract for another season after this one, and they didn't have to give up a first-rounder in 2015). Summers has some talent--he was a first rounder in 2006--but he's been a late bloomer and should be expected to only provide stay-at-home depth if/when needed.

What does it give the Arizona Coyotes
Duclair has a lot of offensive potential, as evidenced by his strong start in the NHL this season. Along with a fellow young prospect like {P Max Domi}, he gives Arizona fans a lot to look forward to. Meanwhile Moore is a gifted young defenseman who hasn't quite found his NHL game yet, but he could prove to be a steal if he curries big minutes with his new squad. It's a minor disappointment the Coyotes didn't land a 2015 first-rounder for a stud like Yandle, but they did get one with their earlier trade of {P Antoine Vermette} (so this is turning into a strong trading season for Arizona, overall).

Fantasy impact
Yandle will probably get a strong boost in fantasy appeal now that he's with the Rangers, since he'll probably score more (thanks to a better supporting cast) and his plus-minus rating (currently -32) probably has nowhere to go but up. Duclair is back in junior and Summers is in the AHL, so their changes of address don't have much immediate fantasy impact (although Duclair probably gets an upgrade as a keeper if he soon sees more opportunities with Arizona than he did with New York, a distinct possibility). Even when Summers gets called up he won't have much--if any--fantasy value. Finally, keep an eye on Moore as a sleeper the rest of the way; he has significant untapped upside and the change of scenery might be a good thing for him.