As Monday afternoon’s trading deadline came and went, Rick Nash remained in Columbus and all of the Rangers mentioned in a possible deal for the Blue Jackets star stayed put. Several names were tossed around as possible trade pieces, but general manager Glen Sather was unwilling to part with any of them, including rookie forward Carl Hagelin,
Hagelin, 23, who did not make the Rangers out of training camp, had to wait more than a month before being called up to the team. But since playing his first game on Nov. 25, and starting his NHL career with points in four straight games, he hasn’t had to pack his bags for the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Connecticut Whale.
“I think most guys are glad [there were no moves made at the deadline],” Hagelin said yesterday at the Rangers’ annual Casino Night benefitting the Garden of Dreams Foundation. “We are No. 1 in the conference for a reason, and we’ve been playing well and we like being around each other. That helps a lot. That’s a big thing in the league, that you trust your teammates and that you are good friends off the ice.”
Several hours after not being traded, Hagelin was the first star of the game scoring a goal and an assist in the Rangers’ 2-0 victory over the Devils on Monday. The winger has become an integral part in the Rangers’ success this season, despite not being as big a star as several of his teammates.
Hagelin was modest about how well his rookie season is going, but teammate Mike Rupp praised the forward.
“His speed is the first thing that you can’t help but notice,” Rupp said. “That creates so much in this game.”
Hagelin’s speed was evident to all those who watched the NHL All-Star Superskills contest, where he won fastest skater. He has 11 goals and 27 points in 43 games this season, and his plus-18 ranks second among rookies.
“His willingness to learn and to get better each day,” Rupp said. “He has gotten better each day — that’s a big difference. He hasn’t peaked at all, he just keeps getting better and better.”