In this edition of NHL News & Notes, I’ll take a look at some of the things on the table after the rojnd-two, Game 7 victory by the New York Rangers over the Carolina Hurricanes. In that game, a number of things happened of note. Or, in one case, didn’t happen.
What’s Happened of Note During the Postseason?
First, centre Andrew Copp – who was obtained from the Winnipeg Jets by the Rangers at the trade deadline – has has an run during the last part of the regular season and has extended that run into the postseason. That success was costly for the Rangers, they’ll now have to shell out a first-round draft choice instead of a second-rounder. Do they care?
Second, I’ll report the news out of Tampa Bay that Lightning forward Brayden Point might be ready to return at some point in the postseason. Whether that’s just spin by his head coach or whether it’s accurate, we don’t know yet.
Third, and finally, now that the Hurricanes’ season is now over, that brings a couple of questions to light. For example, one thing that didn’t happen for Hurricanes was that defenseman Ethan Bear was a healthy scratch for the entire postseason. What does that mean for his future?
Note One: Are the Rangers Happy that Andrew Copp Is so Costly?
Since the New York Rangers acquired Andrew Copp from the Winnipeg Jets at the trade deadline, he’s been nothing but amazing. In fact, he’s been so good that the Rangers now have to amend their deal with the Jets. Because Copp helped them get into the Eastern Conference finals, the Rangers are now required to give the Jets a first-round pick this season instead of a second-rounder.
Make no mistake, the Rangers have to be happy with both Copp’s performance and the fact that they have to pony up a higher draft pick. It was worth it, as was Copp. He’s simply been worth it since the trade was made. In his 14 postseason games, Copp has scored six goals and added six assists.