At the trade deadline, both Stanley Cup finalists made what appeared to be questionable trades. Now, with both the LA Kings and the New York Rangers competing for the cup, those deals aren’t looking too bad.
Let’s start with the Kings. They traded Matt Frattin, a prospect who saw fourth line minutes, a second round pick, and a conditional third round pick, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Marion Gaborik.
The return was not necessarily in question, as Gaborik is supposed to be an elite goal scorer and, to my knowledge, Frattin is not touted as a huge prospect. A team can always use picks, so throwing them away is a bad idea. But LA is in the midst of a possible dynasty, and they have got to be in “win now” mode.
However, Gaborik does not strike me as someone who would fit into the Kings’ defensive system. He was obviously added to give them some offensive firing power. The question was: could he also play a good defensive game?
Gaborik clashed with John Tortorella on the Rangers due to his presumed inability to play Torts’ style of game (although, considering Torts, it may not have just been Gaborik’s game). Gaborik, whether it was right or not, came off as offensively gifted, but one-dimensional.
St. Louis is still skilled at 38 years old, but he probably only has a few years left.
After his turbulent time with the Rangers, he was traded to the Blue Jackets ― which did not help matters. He posted only nine goals and played 34 games, over what was essentially one season. He appeared plagued with injuries, and was no longer the 40 goal scorer he once was.
However, after the trade he seemed to fit right in with the Kings. He went nearly a point per game after his trade, and in the post-season, he heated up. As of June 10, he has scored 13 goals and 21 points. This puts him on pace for over 40 goals in a season.
It also seems likely that he will want to stick around for a few more years and sign a contract with the Kings, considering this new found revitalization. The LA sun probably doesn’t hurt either.
The Rangers, Gaborik’s former team, also made a big and questionable move. They traded Ryan Callahan, a franchise guy, a 2015 first round pick, and a conditional second round pick, to the Tampa Bay Lightning, for Martin St. Louis. (Note that Callahan and St Louis are on the last years of their contracts, and will be unrestricted free agents next year.)
St. Louis is 38 years old. Even though he is still skilled, he probably only has a few years left. Tampa Bay, though they gave up their captain and are not guaranteed to re-sign Callahan, would have lost St. Louis to free agency anyways. Now they gain two high picks for the future, and a great player for their ill-fated playoff run.
On the other hand, St. Louis will likely sign again with the Rangers, but it is likely that his production will decline as he approaches and passes 40. And Callahan seemed to be the face of the Rangers before being traded.
However, the Rangers made the finals. And Martin St. Louis looks pretty darn good. I think it’s pretty easy to argue that without him, they wouldn’t have made it this far.
Both teams made controversial decisions that paid off. Soon, one team is one cup ring richer, and the other will have come so close.
