This Rangers-Lightning blockbuster is a doozie of a trade

The Tampa Bay Lightning made the biggest splash at the deadline, acquiring Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller from the New York Rangers in exchange for

While everyone was waiting for Erik Karlsson to be traded, the Tampa Bay Lightning swooped in to grab Ryan McDonagh from the New York Rangers. Here are the full details from TSN’s Bob McKenzie:

The Lightning already lead the Eastern Conference by four points over the Toronto Maple Leafs and this deal strengthens them on the backend. The 28-year-old defenseman has 26 points in 49 games for the Rangers this season. On top of that, he’s a plus-seven. McDonagh has been a plus player in all eight seasons during his NHL career.

His play has slipped a bit this season, but he’ll face far less pressure in Tampa Bay as a second pairing defenseman.

Miller has 40 points in 63 games for the Rangers this season. He’s a 24-year-old forward who can play any position and situation for the Lightning.

Tampa Bay has Stanley Cup aspirations and this move is a direct response to the Bruins improving their offense over the last couple of days.

In acquiring Miller and McDonagh, the Lightning give up only one roster player. Namestnikov has 44 points in 62 games for Tampa Bay this season. With Miller coming in, that production should be easy to replace.

Hajek is a 20-year-old defenseman currently playing in WHL. He played for Czech Republic in the World Juniors this past year, scoring eight points in seven games. Howden, 19, played for Canada in the World Juniors, scoring seven points in eight games.

The Rangers managed to shed contracts while getting younger, which was their goal heading into the deadline.

Next: NHL Trade Deadline 2018: Rumors and deals tracker

This is a big get for the Lightning, who didn’t sacrifice a major piece of their current team and get much better for a run at the Cup this year.