Rangers add Prospal and Chara

With the recent trade of Jason Spezza, the Rangers were in need of a 2nd line center. The acquisition of Chris Mason signaled the end of the line for Nikolai Khabibulin in NY. And after a short conversation with the Boston Bruins, a deal was struck to send the Bulin Wall to Boston for center Vaclav Prospal.

"Moving Spezza was a deal we had to make to better position this team to compete this season. I know that that sounds crazy, but with Kopitar here, we felt we had the center we wanted to build around. However, we also felt that we had to reposition this team to have players playing in their proper roles. Prospal is a solid 2nd line center and this will allow Filppula to slot back to his 3rd line position."

"The 2nd deal was larger, pun intended. One of the problems we have faced early this season is keeping the puck out of the net. We think that we addressed that with the acquisition of big Defenceman Zdeno Chara. We parted with alot of assets to get the deal done, but it was a deal we felt we had to make to make this team better and complete. Heading to Colorado is winger Brad Boyes, defenceman Colin White, goalie Robert Esche prospect Derek Stepan and out 1st rounder in 2011"

"We get a defenceman that plays in all situations and log's alot of minutes. His ability to be dominant at both ends of the ice will relieve some of the burden that has been placed squarely on the shoulders of Shea Weber. We feel that this move is going to really level this team out and are super excited to get both Chara and Prospal in the line-up as quickly as possible."