The New York Rangers have traded center Scott Gomez, to the Montreal Canadiens.

In a six player deal, the Rangers sent Gomez, forward Tom Pyatt and defenseman Mike Busto to the Canadiens in exchange for forward Chris Higgins and defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.

“Well we think Higgins is a goal scorer and we’re very happy to have him,” said Rangers general manager Glen Sather. “McDonagh is certainly a player that’s going to play in the NHL as well as Valentenko. We got two good prospects in this deal. It gives us some options tomorrow when free agency comes along.”

Gomez has five years and $33.5 million left on his current contract including $8 million next season.

“I think Scott’s a very good player,” Sather said. “He’s a really good guy. He worked hard. He’ll do well in Montreal.”

With the move, the Rangers have given themselves a great deal of flexibility in freeing up cap space that could be used to acquire a primary scorer.

Forwards Marian Hossa and Marian Gaborik are going to be attractive options that could be available on the free-agent market.

Posted on June 30, 2009 in ourOthercategory.

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