In wheeling and dealing with Chicago tonight the Rangers organization made the first of many deals on the new season sending goaltender Niklas Backstrom, young centerman Dan Fritsche and a 4th round pick in 08 in exchange for young leftwinger Rene Bourque, centerman Ryan Craig and up and coming youngster blueliner Shane O'Brien.

All three players coming to New York are coming off solid years with much anticipated success being hoped for once again now with thier new team.  Craig is slated to play 3rd line center or or 3rd line winger.  Shane Obrien could be stepping into the 3rd-4th defensive slot this season and the Rangers are hoping he supplies some offense for the team.  Rene Bourque is slated to have a huge season and will challenge for the 2nd-3rd line left wing position as well.

Due to an abundance of young skilled centerman Fritsche became expendable and Backstrom was behind Al Montoya along with a pending deal to bring in another sound proven young goaltender made him expendable as well.