Earlier today, the Rangers made a move to improve the blueline. They acquired veteran defenseman Adam McQuaid from the Bruins in exchange for Steven Kampfer, a fourth round pick and conditional seventh.

The 31-year old right defenseman spent the past nine seasons with Boston playing a secondary role on the blueline. That included 2010-11 when he played a part in helping the Bruins win the Stanley Cup. A tough, rugged player with size and strength who’s listed at 6-4, 212 pounds, McQuaid can play on the third pair or be a valuable extra.

Having a veteran presence, who’s more capable of filling a void including team toughness due to his willingness to make opponents accountable, it’s a good pick up for a young, rebuilding team.

What’s more is that he’s in the last year of his contract. So, they can always flip him at the trade deadline to recoup a pick.

There’s nothing wrong with that. Consider it an upgrade over Kampfer, who was a serviceable depth player that filled in admirably when called upon. He’ll go to Boston and see if he can make a deeper team out of training camp. Best of luck to him.