On Tuesday, before the Nashville Predators embarked on a western Canadian road trip, news broke that defenseman Kevin Klein had been traded to the New York Rangers for defenseman Michael Del Zotto. This is a one-for-one trade where Nashville can solidify the need for a left-handed shot on the blue line and gain a puck-moving defenseman six years younger than Klein.
Release from the Nashville Predators is below.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS ACQUIRE MICHAEL DEL ZOTTO FROM THE NEW YORK RANGERS
Nashville, Tenn. (January 22, 2014) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Michael Del Zotto from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Kevin Klein.
“Michael gives us another young, gifted left-handed shooting defenseman with significant offensive upside,” Poile said. “We look forward to his presence on our already talented young blue line, further balancing our defensive corps.”
Del Zotto, 23 (6/24/90), has 11 points (2g-9a) in 42 games this season for the Rangers while average 17:44. In 292 career NHL games – all with the Rangers – the 6-0, 195-pound native of Stouffville, Ont., has amassed 121 points (26g-95a), including 37 (9g-28a) in 80 games in 2009-10, being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. Del Zotto has also appeared in 32 postseason contests over the past two springs, posting 12 points (3g-9a).
The New York Rangers’ first choice, 20th overall (first round), in the 2008 Entry Draft, Del Zotto posted 183 points (39g-144a) in 190 Ontario Hockey League games with Oshawa and London from 2006-09. He also represented Canada at the 2010 World Championships
