NHL Trade Grade: New York Rangers take a chance on Ryan Strome
The New York Rangers did well trading struggling forward Ryan Spooner to the Edmonton Oilers for Ryan Strome.
For the second time this week, two teams have decided to swap struggling forwards. The recent GM meetings were clearly productive, as teams are getting trades done earlier than usual. On Friday, the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers swapped struggling forwards in Ryan Spooner and Ryan Strome.
Much like the Carl Hagelin for Tanner Pearson trade, this trade involves two struggling forwards who could benefit from a change in scenery. Spooner and Strome each have merely two points this season. Both the Rangers and the Oilers are looking to shake things up.
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Strome is no stranger to the Rangers, as he played the first four seasons of his career with the New York Islanders. He was traded to the Oilers last summer in exchange for Jordan Eberle. Meanwhile, Spooner spent the first five seasons of his career before being traded to the Rangers last year in the Rick Nash trade.
Both players are struggling as far as production. However, production isn’t the only way to evaluate players. Strome has versatility on his side, as he has a bit more experience at wing than Spooner. Both have experience at center.
More importantly, Strome has the edge as far as puck possession. He has a +3.2 percent CorsiFor percentage at five-on-five as of Nov. 17. Spooner has been in the red this season, posting a -7.1 percent CorsiFor percentage.
Also, Strome has spent most of his time at five-on-five with fellow struggling forward Milan Lucic. He has done better away from him. Spooner, meanwhile, has played with a variety of forwards, though his most common teammate has been Kevin Hayes.
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All of this said, this is still slightly baffling for the Rangers. They’re probably getting the better player, though it’s certainly not by a wide margin. Nor are they saving money (now or in the future). Spooner was not a fit on Broadway. The Rangers were smart to move him while he still had some value.