Darren Dreger reports that the Phoenix Coyotes have traded Wojtek Wolski to the New York Rangers for Michal Rozsival.
The Rangers lost Alex Frolov to season ending knee surgery and needed to replace some scoring. The deal also clears $1.2 million in cap space for the Rangers.
Wolski is making $3.6 million this season, and $4 million next year ($3.8 mill. cap hit). He’s struggled scoring this season with the Coyotes after coming over from Colorado last year. He’ll be an RFA in 2012-13.
The Coyotes have needed another top 4 defenseman, and Rozsival may be that guy. Rozsival is making $4 million this year, and $3 million next year, but carries a $5 million cap hit.
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ranger GM Glen Sather said during the conference call that this deal will allow him to look at other deals before the Feb. 28th trade deadline day.