Rangers Acquire Wellman, Send Christensen To Minnesota

Trade Details:

The Minnesota Wild acquire Erik Christensen and a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2013 from the New York Rangers for Casey Wellman.

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Minnesota Wild Acquire:

Photo Link C. Erik Christensen Age: 28 Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $925,000 Expires: 2012 (UFA) Important Facts: -Has played 358 NHL games in his career -Has the 3rd most shootout game-deciding goals (11) in NHL history.

Seventh Round Draft Pick (2013) **Conditional** Important Facts: -If the Wild re-sign Christensen they DO NOT get the pick, but if he is not re-signed and becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent the Wild will get the pick. -The Rangers own 7th Round Pick in 2013.

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New York Rangers Acquire:

LINK RW. Casey Wellman Age: 24 Height: 6-0 Weight: 173 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $850,500 Expires: 2012 (RFA) Important Facts: -Has a Two-Way Clause in his contract ($67,500 AHL) -Went undrafted and was signed as a free agent in 2010 by the Wild -Last season (2nd pro year) he had 35 points in 42 games in the AHL -Played 14 NHL games this year and put up 7 points -Played 26 AHL games this year and put up 26 points

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Analysis:

Unlike most people, trades like this interest me greatly. Its a subtle move to adjust a particular area of both clubs and the type of subtle move that makes organizations successful. Believe it or not, I have always thought that the trades made mid-season to fix or tweak an organizational weakness is what makes clubs successful down the stretch. 

The Minnesota Wild have been seeking an experienced NHL'er that could stand-in for the many top-six forwards that they currently have sitting on the injured reserve. Christensen can play any forward position so where ever they might need him, he'll be able to fit. When looking for a player to fill that spot I'm sure they immediately targeted Christensen considering the fact that both Wild GM Chuck Fletcher and Wild Coach Mike Yeo are very familiar with him as they both were Penguins employees when Christensen played with the Pens, during which time Christensen enjoyed the most success of his career. As he was able to demonstrate then, and at times since then, he does posses offensive talent. His hands are very impressive and are surly a big reason why he's become one of the best shootout performers in the league. Aside from his offensive talent, he doesn't bring much to the table and his consistency even offensively has been an issue. He will have a big opportunity to revitalize his career with Minnesota being that he will be given every chance to succeed beginning with his debut on Saturday during which he will start centering the third-line. Luckily for the Wild if Christensen is unsatisfactory they can opt to let him walk as a UFA and get the conditional 7th round pick in 2013. 

The Rangers had been trying desperately to move out Christensen seeing that they had no room for him at the NHL level, and they were not too interested in stashing another NHL salary in the minors. By moving him for a player like Wellman they have generated more flexibility due to the fact that Wellman has a two-way clause in his contract so he can be loaned to the AHL for a much less expensive rate and he doesn't need to be placed on waivers to be demoted or re-called. With that said, the Rangers, according to Michael Russo, had been interested in Wellman for quite some time so when the opportunity to snag him in a deal like this arose, they jumped on it. Wellman will report to the Rangers AHL affiliate in Hartford, and will be an excellent depth forward down the stretch. 

I like this trade for both sides as both clubs were able to accomplish what they set out to do. It'll be interesting to see what role Christensen takes with the Wild and if he's able to meet the standards needed to be re-signed by the club.