The Rangers have traded Vladislav Namestnikov to the Senators. In a deal just announced, they subtract Namestnikov and retain $750,000 to free up space on the roster. They collect a fourth round pick.

A thanks to Namestnikov for how hard he played under David Quinn. He might not have been the scorer they hoped for after getting him from the Lightning. However, he adjusted his game and became a valuable secondary forward who Quinn trusted both five-on-five and on the penalty kill.

With the Rangers moving in a different direction, and Namestnikov twice getting moved down to the fourth line in the club’s first two games due to Quinn bumping up Brendan Lemieux, it isn’t surprising. Though I never figured he’d go so early.

Best of luck to Vladdy with Ottawa. He’ll need it.

As for where the Rangers go from here, maybe they plan to recall Filip Chytil. But he just started playing for Hartford and at center. They could just plug Greg McKegg in on the fourth line and penalty kill role.

There’s no reason to rush either Chytil or Vitali Kravtsov back up. Especially when Kravtsov was a healthy scratch in the Wolf Pack’s second game yesterday. The key to this remains patience. They don’t have to bring either young player up right away.

I think maybe it opens the door for either Boo Nieves or defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who’s played well scoring a goal and continuing to look ready. With Quinn opting to use Brendan Smith in a unique double role as a fourth line energy guy and on the improved penalty kill as a defenseman, it’s worked out well so far.

It’ll be interesting to see what the organization decides. They don’t play the third game until this Saturday afternoon against the Oilers. Hardly an ideal opponent to reinsert a kid.

There was some overreaction to Kravtsov being benched in his second AHL game. Maybe some of the other fans need to chill. It doesn’t happen right away. I have more confidence in the current staff when it comes to the team’s prospects.

Anyway, that’s gonna do it. Congrats to Mika Zibanejad on being named the NHL’s First Star of the Week. A well deserved honor following his eight points highlighted by a hat trick in the 4-1 win at Ottawa.