NHL: What Will Todd White Bring to the Rangers this Coming Season?

Last week, Glen Sather acquired veteran center Todd White from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for Donald Brashear and Patrick Rissmiller.

In my opinion, this was a solid trade by Sather. He got rid of two unneeded players, and in return, got a veteran forward who has a bit of a scoring touch.

Two seasons ago, Todd White scored a total of 73 points (22 goals, and 51 assists) while playing for Atlanta. If Todd White is put on the line with the right players, he could possibly reach 50 to 60 points again. Rumors have been abuzz, suggesting that Todd White may become a “Cap Casualty” and wind-up in Hartford at the end of training camp.

I will write this article as if Todd White were to play for the Rangers next season, and not in Hartford (Just a small FYI).

So, what will Todd White bring to the Rangers?

Todd White is a 35-year-old veteran who has played 13 seasons in the NHL. He has reached a total of 20 goals in three of his 13 seasons; the most recent of which was 2008-09 when he scored a total of 22 goals, 51 assists, and 73 points. Note that the 2008-09 season was only two seasons ago—not too far off, at all.

Given the right tools (players to play with), White may be able to hit 50 or 60 points this season. It may be a stretch, but it is very possible.

I am not suggesting that they put him on a line with Gaborik and Frolov (which wouldn’t be a terrible idea), but maybe putting him on a line with one or the other to create more scoring. I wouldn’t mind seeing him on the second line centering Frolov and Dubinsky, or Dubinsky and Callahan. But since I am not the head coach, he will most likely play on the third or fourth line, producing third or fourth line stats.

Todd White can also contribute on the penalty kill. Marian Gaborik said it himself:

"He can play both very well defensively and offensively," Gaborik said of White. "He's put up a lot of points every year while playing mostly on a second line. I think he's going to be a good fit for us because he's a good skater and he's strong." Both Gaborik and White played together in Minnesota.

Todd White was one of Atlanta’s best two-way forwards and now he is an addition to the Rangers collection of two-way centers. I’d expect to see him playing on a Penalty Kill line, and possibly a power-play line.

However, his biggest asset may be his experience. The Rangers do not have many players over 30 on the team; the ones that they do have really aren’t too helpful. All in all, Todd White should be a great addition.

Thanks for the read and I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to leave a response below, and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible (vacationing in Canada until Friday).