Stamkos to New York?

Pending league approval, the New York Rangers have acquired Calgary Flames center

Steven Stamkos

Heading out the door however was a hefty price as the Blueshirts have parted with center Anze Kopitar and young winger James Neal.

Rangers GM Phil Grote commented on the trade, here's what he had to say "This was a really difficult decision as I am a big believer in overall team depth wins championships. It just provides teams a much more difficult time to defend against 3-4 lines that can hurt you offensively. However, we also feel that Stamkos is one of those players in the same mold as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. A special player for sure that we are lucky to have been able to acquire."

Stamkos, a student of the game, was excited about going to one of the Original Six franchises "It's exciting for sure. I mean, the Rangers have a ton of history, they have been around for well over 80 years and while they may not have the cups that a Montreal or Detroit may have, they do still have a very rich history that I am very much looking to be a part of."

Asked about Calgary, Stamkos had this to say "They have a very good team over there with alot of weapons, getting guys like Kopitar and Neal will further depth that they are accumulating. That team is headed in the right direction and I wish them all the best in the world."