The New York Rangers have agreed to trade defenceman Nick Holden to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Rob O’Gara and a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Bruins acquire Nick Holden from @NYRangers in exchange for Rob O’Gara, 2018 3rd-round pick: https://t.co/bk2fczgyYT
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 20, 2018
Defenceman Nick Holden Traded to Boston Bruins
The Rangers completed a trade Tuesday with the Bruins. The Rangers acquire defenceman Rob O’Gara and a third-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Nick Holden.
Key Players
In Holden, the Bruins get a consistent depth defenceman. This season he scored three goals and nine assists for 12 points in 55 games played. He also added 14 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers are 45.5 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -1.2. Those totals are considerably lower compared to last season, where he scored 11 goals, 23 assists for a total of 34 points. Over his eight-year NHL-career Holden has played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche and the Rangers. He has put up 35 goals and 72 assists for 107 career points in 356 career games. He was originally signed undrafted from the Western Hockey League.
O’Gara, 24, has played in eight games for the Bruins this season, and 11 overall. He is still looking for his first NHL point. In 43 games with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, he has two goals and eight points. The 6’4″ tall defenceman was drafted by Boston in the fifth round, 151st overall, of the 2011 NHL Draft.
What This Means for the Future
For the Bruins they will get an experienced defenceman. Based on skill level Holden would be solid third pair material. His wealth of experience will be vital for a playoff run.
The Rangers have struggled in general this season, but particularly on defence. Holden was one culprit of bad turnovers with the Rangers, which may indicate he may be past his prime. With a team like Boston, who have a better-established defence, he may not feel so pressured.
With the addition of O’Gara the Rangers hope to revamp their defence with a 24-year-old prospect to develop and add a pick in this year’s draft.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
