But why, Lemieux is a young, decently talented player, he’s exactly the kind of guy the Rangers need, also how did Lemieux only get a 4th he’s worth a lot more, easy Kings win
Pretty surprising trade. I've been impressed with Gauthier's recent play, though, so I'm not that surprised that Lemieux might've been the odd man out. The streak of very good NHL role players coming from the Carolina farm system continues in earnest. Kuokkanen, Nicolas Roy, Gauthier, Luostarinen, Forsling, Clark Bishop; it's a pretty huge list of successful full-time NHL graduates for different clubs. No wonder clubs like to wheel and deal with our FO.
One team got a serviceable NHL player at a good cap hit and who will still be under team control as an RFA at the end of his contract.
The other team got a draft pick that does not have great odds of turning into an NHL player.
One team will use said serviceable player to compete for a playoff spot starting today.
The other team won't be able to use said draft pick until the draft actually happens and that draft pick might not be an actual NHL player for at least a few years.
One team got a better hockey player than an average 4th round pick.
I think the logic behind this trade is the upcoming expansion draft. NYR wanted to make sure they gain something for the guy, while making room for Kravtsov as well. LA acquired a somewhat interesting asset which they just might ship to Seattle as a sweetener to prevent them from taking Clague. This assuming they go 7-3-1. Or perhaps LA wanted to add a guy that could fill the ExReq rule...hard to say.
That's a good price for a competent 4LW. NYR might've been able to push for a little more given Lemieux's age and RFA expiry status, but the deal benefits both teams nonetheless. Fair trade, maybe tilt LAK.
This is fine, I guess. Guess he's able to slot into the fourth line without having to have a rookie suffer with grinders.
Quoting: KSIxSKULLS
Wasn't it Lemeiux that made the podcast with DeAngelo? I wonder if there's more to this
Lemeiux didn't run his mouth and act like he was invincible because he had one good season. Like a lot Rangers fans are saying, this is a hockey trade and not because his beliefs.
Quoting: drewjenkins
This is a MASSIVELY better deal than Montreal got for Staal ... Montreal got taken to the cleaners.
Staal is a better player than Lemeiux though. Montreal had to have retention on that deal as well.