With trade winds blowing, Rangers send Etem to AHL on conditioning stint
The hockey world held its collective breath Friday, wondering what fate the league had in store for New York Rangers forward Emerson Etem.
Expect a transaction on Emerson Etem to be announced later today. Not sure what transaction is yet.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) January 8, 2016
Etem, 23, and with only three assists in 19 games, didn't practice in the morning. Where there's smoke, people desperately try to find a fire.
Emerson Etem has not yet been traded by NYR. Trade could happen today. Then again, might not (insert snide remark here). NYR working at it.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 8, 2016
Complicating matters, Etem must pass through waivers to go to the AHL - unless he heads down on a conditioning stint.
"A few teams have been talking to (the Rangers) about Etem," McKenzie added.
Etem was acquired by New York in the offseason, in a trade that sent Carl Hagelin and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. As the suspense built Friday, a potential destination was floated, too:
If he's traded by NYR, a logical landing place could be VAN. Coach Willie Desjardins had Etem in the WHL with Medicine Hat. So we'll see.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 8, 2016
Definitely worth mentioning Etem's first junior coach was Willie Desjardins. We'll see.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 8, 2016
Finally, the hammer: Etem was sent to the AHL on a - you guessed it - conditioning stint, head coach Alain Vigneault announced. He'll appear in three games this weekend with the Hartford Wolf Pack.
AV was asked how many more "kicks at the can" Etem gets with the Rangers. AV responded, "We're sorting that out."
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) January 8, 2016
Etem was a first-round pick of the Ducks in 2010, 29th overall. He has 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 131 career games. And his time in New York appears limited.
But, remember, don't jump the gun.
Source laughing at me, saying Medicine Hat connection "overrated." Sounds like two teams talked, nothing close there.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 8, 2016