New York Rangers News: Rangers Trade Prospect Daniel Walcott to Tampa Bay
The New York Rangers have traded Daniel Walcott to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Just 72 hours after the New York Rangers concluded their 2014-2015 campaign, they made their first official move of the offseason. According to an official team release, the Rangers have traded prospect Daniel Walcott to the Tampa Bay Lightning, in exchange for a 2015 7th-round draft pick. The pick that the Rangers are acquiring is actually their own 2015 pick, which was sent to the Lightning in the Martin St. Louis/Ryan Callahan swap last March at the trade deadline.
Walcott was originally selected in the 5th-round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Rangers, and just turned pro this year after finishing two years with Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL. At first glance, this is quite a surprising move for the Rangers as they are dealing a 5th-round pick from last year, and settling for a 7th-round pick in return.
That's why I believe it is safe to assume that something else was going on the behind the scenes, which led to this surprising deal. With a 7th-round pick now in the Rangers possession, they will have five picks heading into the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Thoughts on all of this?