Derek Dorsett (seen above) was dealt to the Canucks for a third round pick.
AP Photo/John Minchillo

On the day of the NHL Draft, the Rangers made a move sending Derek Dorsett to the Canucks in exchange for a third round pick (85th overall).

Acquired from the Blue Jackets in April 2013 as part of the Marian Gaborik trade, the 27-year old Dorsett carved out a niche on the fourth line. Though he didn’t bring a ton offensively, he was a hard working player who added a physical element. After tallying four goals and four assists with 128 penalty minutes and 102 hits in 51 regular season games, Dorsett registered an assist, 20 shots, 19 PIM and 56 hits in 23 postseason contests.

A fixture on the fourth line with Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore, Dorsett really worked his tail off during the playoffs. If there is one guy who deserved a goal, it was him. His gritty play was a key part of their success. It was his hustle that allowed Boyle to set up Moore’s series clincher against the Canadiens which allowed the Rangers to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Dorsett is due $1.63 million in 2014-15 and can turn unrestricted the following summer. With Glen Sather deciding to subtract him to get an extra pick in the draft, maybe he has an eye on retaining Daniel Carcillo, who was a solid addition. From an offensive standpoint, he outperformed Dorsett scoring twice in the postseason while playing his trademark edgy game. It should cost only a year and a bit cheaper.

With Boyle likely leaving, it looks like the Rangers are headed in a different direction. At the very least, they need to bring back Moore, who deservedly won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance at the NHL Awards in Vegas Wednesday. He became an interchangeable center Alain Vigneault wasn’t shy about using in place of injured pivots Derek Stepan and Derick Brassard. But Moore is better suited for the fourth line where he’s a smart two-way player who wins faceoffs and is a fixture on the penalty kill.

Whatever they decide, it looks like we could see more of J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, Oscar Lindberg and Danny Kristo. Much depends on who Sather re-signs with Anton Stralman essential. He’ll certainly attract attention on July 1. He and Dan Boyle headline a thin blueline class. I get the need for Boyle as a power play quarterback. But I’d rather keep Stralman, who’s got much more left. Slats also must try to bring back Benoit Pouliot while bumping up RFA’s Brassard, Mats Zuccarello, Chris Kreider and John Moore.

The first round of tonight’s Draft begins at 7 PM on NBCSN at Wells Fargo Center. As of right now, Florida holds the first overall pick with the Sabres second, Edmonton third, Calgary fourth, the Islanders fifth and Vancouver sixth. The Devils pick 30th while the Rangers don’t have a first rounder with Tampa Bay picking 28th as part of the Ryan Callahan/Martin St. Louis trade.

Rounds 2-7 are Saturday with the festivities beginning at 10 AM on NHL Network. The Rangers have a second round pick (No.59) and two third round picks (No.85 and No.89). Hasan and I will have more draft coverage during the weekend.