The New York Rangers have found a team for Scott Gomez, trading the center to the Montreal Canadiens.
Gomez
Gomez
The Rangers sent Gomez, forward Tom Pyatt and defenseman Mike Busto to the Canadiens in exchange for forward Chris Higgins and defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.
The Rangers have been trying to deal Gomez since their season ended. The 29-year-old Alaskan, whose career-high point total was 84 in 2005-06 with the Devils, dipped to 58 points last season (16 goals, 42 assists) in 77 games while earning $8 million. It was his lowest offensive output since 2002-03 in New Jersey.
Gomez has five years and $33.5 million left on his deal -- $8 million next season, $8 million in 2010-11, $7.5 million in 2011-12, $5.5 million in 2012-13 and $4.5 million in 2013-14.
Higgins, 26, is a restricted free agent. He also disappointed last season, putting up only 23 points in 57 games after putting up a career-high 52 points the previous season.
Finally! The man has been so out of place and has been a colossal waste of money. It's fair to say he needs a real wing with scoring talent to really flourish, but I am very happy that he is now Montréal's problem. I am also happy with the return. Getting McDonagh and Higgins is a real nice return.