Gomez Traded...

There are 2 big things in the Scott Gomez trade (to Montreal, for Smithtown's Chris Higgins, as you all know by now).

1) As we know, cap space. Higgins is making $1.9M against the Cap, and I'm trying to find out how long he has left on his deal. However, they save $5M by doing this move. If they don't get Dany Heatley, Mike Cammallari would be a good fit for that $5M. I would much rather have Cammallari and Higgins as opposed to just Gomez, wouldn't you?

2) The other big thing is Ryan McDonagh. He was drafted 12th overall in 2007 (5 picks before Alexei Cherepanov, 8 before Angelo Esposito). According to a Montreal Canadiens fan I am friends with, this was one of the big pieces and he was very sorry to see him go. He was their highest-rated prospect at any position, and he is incredibly fast. He is also big, a very physical player, and very offensively talented.

So, a good trade for the Rangers. How Bob Gainey was roped into this, I'll never know. Maybe Glen Sather let him take credit for catching a shark on a fishing trip one day. Beats me.

Anyway, look for McDonagh next year. He could be another young D-man on the blueline, probably not next season but the year after.

Bryan's Take: I have no idea how this trade went through. The Rangers got the two best guys in the deal and shed some serious salary in the process. Of course, you know this means the Rangers will sign another underachiever to an absurd contract tomorrow, but still. Sather is absolved of one of his biggest blunders and actually looks good in the process. And I guess we can put the "Lecavalier to Montreal" rumors to bed once and for all. Just think, for just about the same money as they'll pay Gomez, they could have a perennial All-Star. Aside from Montreal fans, probably the most upset person is Stan Fischler, who can't be all homoerotic with Gomez during their intermission interviews anymore.