McDonagh is only 24 and has already developed into a shutdown D. The former Canadiens ’07 first round pick came over in the Scott Gomez trade. Sather’s best move to date. He was included with Chris Higgins and Pavel Valentenko for Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Michael Busto. None of which are part of Montreal. It’s one of those deals we’ll look back on if the Rangers win the Stanley Cup. Whatever Slats slipped in Bob Gainey’s drink, we’ll never know. 

Following a strong sophomore campaign in which he played in all 82 games tallying 32 points (7-25-32) with a plus-25 rating, McDonagh had a good third season. He posted four goals and 15 assists and was plus-13 over 47 contests. He had 69 hits and blocked 78 shots ranking second behind partner Dan Girardi (125 blocks). In 12 postseason games, he registered a goal and three helpers. For his three-year NHL career, the former Badger is 12-48-60, plus-54 with 80 penalty minutes in 169 games. 

What makes him one of the better defensemen in the game is his uncanny ability to anticipate plays well. He is able to recover quickly and go to the right spot defensively. McDonagh is a strong skater with offensive capabilities. He had some bad luck in the playoffs hitting posts. That part of his game could improve under new coach Alain Vigneault. The sky is the limit.

By getting it done, Sather now will turn his attention to Derek Stepan. With approximately $6.5 million in cap space, he’ll have to get our top center re-signed along with RFA’s Carl Hagelin and John Moore. Mats Zuccarello is also a Group II who would like to return. It all depends on what else Slats does. With the excess of third and fourth liners following the additions of Dominic Moore and Benoit Pouliot, he could cut costs by dealing recently waived Arron Asham and Darroll Powe. Taylor Pyatt is also a candidate. He also might look at moving Brian Boyle, who enters his final year due $1.7 million. Moore is a similar player who is a better skater and kills penalties. However, Boyle is their top faceoff guy and can shift to the left side. He still could be valuable as the postseason proved.

There’s still the potential for Sather to trade. They don’t have a ton of scoring and lack toughness necessary to compete in a loaded East. Chris Kreider will be vital to their chances.