matt puempel mats zuccarello

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

The Matt Puempel era in New York has come to an end. The forward, waived to start the season, has been traded to the Detroit Red Wings for defenseman Ryan Sproul. Puempel was claimed off waivers from Ottawa last season, and put up 6-3-9 in 27 games as a Blueshirt. He put up 1-2-3 in 5 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack this season.

Sproul, a former 2nd round pick, has just 28 games of NHL experience (1-6-7). After being selected 55th overall in 2011, Sproul turned pro for the 2013-2014 season, spending the majority of his career with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 6’3″, 205 lb defenseman is likely more defensive depth for a team that has that in spades at the moment.

This seems to be a trade that is more about a change of scenery for both players. Puempel clearly wasn’t in favor with the coaching staff, as a pair of well traveled “vets” in Paul Carey and Adam Cracknell clearly have higher bidding within the organization.

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