SUNRISE -- The trades continue to pour in on the second day of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
In a fairly sizable move, the New York Rangers dealt speedy forward Carl Hagelin to Anaheim in exchange for another speedster, Emerson Etem. The Rangers also received the 41th overall pick, which they used to select WHL Seattle left wing Ryan Gropp; Anaheim received the 59th pick and the 179th pick in this year’s draft.
It’s an interesting deal. Both players are pending RFAs, though Hagelin has the more accomplished NHL resume and larger existing contract. The Swede, who tied a career-high with 17 goals last year, just wrapped a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually.
Etem, a former first-round pick, just wrapped his entry-level contract, one that paid $870,000 per year. He’s struggled to keep a regular spot in the Anaheim lineup, though he did show flashes this postseason by scoring three goals in 12 games, including a highlight-reel tally against Winnipeg in the opening round.
It’s been a busy day for Anaheim. Earlier today, the Ducks sent underachieving defenseman James Wisniewski to Carolina in exchange for goalie Anton Khudobin.