The New York Rangers have agreed to trade Adam McQuaid to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenceman Julius Bergman, a fourth and seventh-round draft pick. The Blue Jackets have been busy in the last few days. McQuaid is the third player the team has acquired in the last few days.
McQuaid to CBJ for a 4th and 7th
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 25, 2019
*Breaking News*@NYRangers also to get Defenseman Julius Bergman in the McQuaid Trade. @NHL @NHLNetwork
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) February 25, 2019
Adam McQuaid Traded To Blue Jackets
In McQuaid, the Blue Jackets get an experienced defencemen who is not afraid to pack a punch. This season, he scored 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points, adding 33 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers are 43.3 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -4.9.
Over his 10-year career, McQuaid has played for the Boston Bruins and Rangers. In that time, he has 15 goals and 56 assists for 71 career points in 498 career games. He was originally drafted in the second round, 55th overall of the 2005 NHL draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Bergman, 23, was part of the Matt Duchene deal between Columbus and the Ottawa Senators. In 33 games with Belleville of the AHL, he’s picked up six assists.
What This Means for the Future
The 32-year-old defencemen provides an added physicality to the Blue Jackets lineup. And although the powerful Canadian native did not perform well statistically for the Rangers, McQuaid still has worth. He has proved time and time again that he is a reliable defenceman that is willing to put his body on the line for his team.
Although McQuaid was a much needed physical force for the Rangers, he does not fit the “rebuild” plan. The Blue Jackets hope his depth can help push them further towards a playoff spot.
