Let's Make a Deal! from Calgary to New York in 15 Minutes

After trade talks were on hold between the Flames and Rangers the two teams pull the trigger on the deal that could help both teams who have been a struggling of late.

In coming for the New York Rangers are forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust while Forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik will be departing.

The Flames have been horrible in their last ten with a record of 1-7-2, the Rangers were just as bad going 3-7. Despite the teams two records in their last ten games both teams are still in the playoff hunt. The Rangers are currently tied for seventh with 57 points in the Eastern Conference as the Flames are tied for eight place with 62 points.

I wouldn't say both teams involved in the trade aren't looking for a quick fix but more of a shake up with players in the deal having under achieving seasons.

Kotalik signed a three year deal with the Rangers last summer for 9 million. He scored just eight goals and fourteen assists in 45 games. Higgins came to New York in deal with the Canadians for Scotty Gomez. Higgins struggled from the start with the Rangers and only registered 14 points in his 55 games played.

Jokinen was good for 35 points with the Flames this season with 11 goals and 24 assists in 56 contests. Jokinen was a 30 goal scorer four times in his 11 year NHL career who is now at the age of 31. Jokinen contract expires at the end of this year.

Prust is know as a bruiser as he led the flames with 98 penalty minutes with 18 fighting majors under his belt.

Rangers look to get some scoring and tuff ness out of the deal while the Flames inherit two good players looking to turn their poor seasons around. With the pressure of playing in New York maybe new threads and a different atmosphere can turn around Higgins and Kotalik's seasons.

I like the deal on both sides of the coin, especially if the Rangers can sign Jokinen after the season ends and maybe Prust can fill the shoes of missing presence of Colton Orr.

Jokinen and Prust learned 15 minutes after their game last night against the Flyers they have been moved, they packed their bags and headed for Los Angeles. Both are expected to play tonight for New York.

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