The two teams that made the biggest splash in the off season are off to starts that are below their expectations. The New York Rangers and the Minnesota Wild made a deal on Monday night. The Wild acquired Michael Rupp from the Rangers for minor-leaguer Nick Palmieri and Darroll Powe. During the off season both teams made huge moves. The Wild signed top free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to 13-year, US$98 Million contracts respectively. Similarly, the New York Rangers acquired Rick Nash, Steven Delisle and a conditional third round draft pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a first round draft pick. The Wild are off to a mediocre 4-4-1 record while the Rangers are at .500 at 4-4-0. In Michael Rupp the Minnesota Wild add a gritty veteran presence with Stanley Cup Playoff experience. In Powe, the Rangers get a player who is capable of playing on the penalty-kill. Last year Powe led his team in blocked shots with 91 and short-handed ice time with an average of 2:27 a game. While both players are fourth-liners, they will both be extremely important in their team’s long-term success.
