New York Rangers are already moving on from center Ryan Spooner, despite signing the 26-year-old to two-year, $8 million deal in the offseason. Rangers announced they had sent Spooner to Edmonton Oilers, receiving center/winger Ryan Strome in exchange.
Ryan Spooner joined the Rangers in early 2018, showing real promise during the 20 games he played in New York last season. But his performance was below par at the start of 2018-19 season, and he has seen reduced playing time after having difficulties to adjust to the new system the team has been using.
According to the Rangers’ general manager Jeff Gorton, fit was one of the reasons for why the organization decided to do the deal with Oilers and get Ryan Strome.
“With Ryan Spooner kind of being the odd man out on our team, and the opportunity to get somebody that we like his versatility,” – said Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton. “[Strome] can play center, he can kill penalties — just a different kind of player that I think we can put in our group, and it’s going to hopefully be a better fit for us.”
Strome, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, played 18 games this season and contributed with one goal and one assist. Overall, he was featured in 358 NHL games during his career, managing 59 goals and 103 assists.
