Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.

Bobby Bevilacqua

TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweeted out that a deal between the Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks is getting done. The Canucks will get Etem and the Rangers will get a draft pick as well as winger Nicklas Jensen. The draft pick is a 2016 6th round pick.

Etem to VAN is being done. Nick Jensen and late pick going the other way.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 8, 2016

Etem, 23, has played in 19 games with the Rangers, recording three assists, a minus four rating and 23 shots on goal. He’s played on all four lines, but has not gained traction in Alain Vigneault’s system. He hasn’t had the offensive impact that many had expected, and other players have won roster spots over him.

Jensen, 22, tallied 14 goals and 14 assists in 58 AHL games with the Utica Comets last season, and has 12 points (4-8-12) in 27 games this season. He’s 6-foot-3 and has a lot of speed, as well as good puck-handling skills and a hard, accurate shot. He’s a decent defensive player and shows some physicality, but could improve in those areas (EliteProspects).

The Vancouver Canucks currently hold the third place spot in the Pacific Division and can use Etem as a boost to the offense. Their head coach, Willie Desjardins, coached Etem with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL. Under Desjardins, Etem scored 61 goals and 107 points in his final junior season.

It’s a shame that Etem didn’t pan out with the Rangers because he is a talented player. But he just didn’t have an impact when put in the top six, and he shouldn’t be hampered with defensive zone assignments on the fourth line. The Rangers free up some cap space, likely planning on a bigger move, and Etem will get a chance at more playing time.