The trade of enforcer Cody McLeod on Wednesday — the Rangers sent him back to the Nashville Predators, from whom the Rangers claimed him on waivers just over a year ago — was a relatively minor transaction. After all, McLeod played on the fourth line, didn’t get much ice time, and had only contributed one goal and no assists in 31 games this season.
But the deal had the feel of the beginning of the end for this group, as it figures to be the first of several that will be completed before the Feb. 25 trade deadline.