Rangers Acquire Defenseman Morris from Coyotes

The New York Rangers made a second big splash at the trade deadline by acquiring defenseman Derek Morris from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Dmitri Kalinin, left wing Nigel Dawes, and left wing Petr Prucha. Morris requested a trade over the weekend and pulled himself from the Coyotes' lineup to avoid suffering an injury. Morris, who had a no-trade clause, agreed to waive to go to an Eastern Conference team. In 57 games this season, Morris has five goals and seven assists for 12 points and 24 penalty minutes. Kalinin has one goal and 12 assists for 13 points in 58 games. In 28 games this season, Prucha has four goals and five assists for nine points, while Dawes has 10 goals and nine assists for 19 points in 52 games. Morris brings lots of toughness and veteran experience to the Rangers' defense as they attempt to hang onto a playoff spot. Kalinin brings plenty of veteran depth and offensive skill to the Coyotes' blueline despite his struggles this season. Dawes gives the Coyotes a young goal scorer with lots of potential, while Prucha gives them offensive depth on the wing. However, Prucha has struggled since his rookie season and it remains to be seen if he will fit into their future.