Tyler Motte Welcome Back!

Deja vu.....Tyler Motte is back on Broadway! Yesterday the Rangers reacquired Motte, who previously was traded to New York at last season’s trade deadline and left in the offseason as a free agent.

After the Tarasenko trade, the next major issue the Rangers needed to address was the fourth line and Chris Drury turned to a familiar face. The Rangers have sent Ottawa forward Julien Gauthier and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2023.  

So what else in this trade is important? The seventh-round pick the Rangers gave up will become the worst of the Rangers’ two sixth-round picks if the Rangers win one playoff round. This is key as it doesn't seem like the Rangers are planning on exiting early as all indications have shown the Rangers are preparing for another big playoff run this season.

Steve likes this trade simply because it gives the fourth line more of a kick, as well as speed which is always critical come playoffs. This trade is also significant because it also adds another penalty killer to the rotation. Motte is a player that knows the system, so instead of having to get acquainted again, Motte can just slide right back in.

As Chives called him, Motte is a "Jack of all trades" type of player. He can solidify the lineup as he is the type of player that any team desires for a deep postseason run. Credit must be given where it is due and Chris Drury deserves some. He has nailed two deadlines so far, however, his greatest test will be the plethora of contracts in the offseason, but the focus is postseason first.

As for the Rangers this week, they are starting a long week with Winnipeg visiting tonight. Stay tuned for this weeks episode for in depth and analysis, as well as staying connected with the Pucktalk socials.

It’s Just the Luck of the Puck!