NY Rangers Acquire Tim Erixon from Flames for Roman Horak

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired prospect defenseman Tim Erixon and a fifth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft from the Calgary Flames in exchange for prospect left wing Roman Horak, the New York Rangers' own second round pick and the Washington Capitals' second round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Rangers had acquired the pick from the Carolina Hurricanes last summer in exchange for Bobby Sanguinetti. The Capitals previously sent the pick to Carolina for Joe Corvo. Immediately after the trade, the Rangers announced they had signed Erixon to a three-year entry level contract. The Flames had until 5 PM today to sign Erixon or he would have re-entered the Entry Draft. He refused to sign a standard entry-level contract because of concerns that he would end up playing in the minors next season given the number of veteran defenseman already on the Flames roster for next season. Horak signed a three-year entry level contract with the Rangers on May 6. In 48 games this past season with Skelleftea, Erixon had five goals and 19 assists for 24 points. Horak had 26 goals and 52 assists for 78 points in 64 games with Chilliwack of the WHL. Not a bad move for both teams, as both players will address needs for the two franchises. The Rangers get a high end defensive prospect in Erixon, while the Flames get a potential scoring forward in Horak. Erixon has good size, the potential to log lots of minutes, and has lots of defensive upside, so he should be a good fit for the Rangers. Horak, who played alongside Flames prospect Ryan Howse in Chilliwack, can score goals and set them up, so he should be a decent all-around forward for Calgary. Plus, the Flames made out well in the deal by getting two second round draft picks and a prospect forward for a prospect they were on the verge of losing for nothing. Look for both players to make a push at making their respective teams in training camp this September.