In a predictable move, the Rangers traded fourth line antagonist Ryan Hollweg to the Maple Leafs yesterday in exchange for a 2009 fifth round pick.

The 25 year-old Downey, California native who the Blueshirts made a 2001 eighth round pick played three seasons on Broadway bringing his spunky physical hitting style and edgy play with him becoming a fan favorite despite a penchant for undisciplined penalties. In 200 career games as a Ranger, Hollweg finishes with 12 points (5-7-12) while racking up 311 penalty minutes.

His best season was in 2005-06 as a rookie when he netted five points (2-3-5) in 52 contests while playing what became known as the HMO Line (Hollweg, Moore, Ortmeyer). It was the trio’s solid forechecking style and energy which became popular with Ranger fans who hadn’t seen a team qualify for the postseason since 1996-97. While that line didn’t finish a lot of plays, they helped set the tone in what became the Original Six club’s first playoff berth in nine years.

The last couple of seasons, Hollweg played with checking center Blair Betts and club enforcer Colton Orr. They also had solid chemistry but it was clear that Ryan’s days were numbered due to better players in their system such as former first rounders Lauri Korpikoski and Hugh Jessiman, who both could finally be ready to crack the lineup this Fall. Team President and GM Glen Sather also went out and added depth players like Aaron Voros, Dan Fritsche and Patrick Rismiller which also helped spell the end for the left wing who also shifted out of position to center when needed.

Though expendable and easily replaced, I along with many other Ranger fans will miss Hollweg as he was fun to watch and very entertaining off the ice going by the tag Hollywood for his hilarious movie character impersonations and crazy style. That white tux outfit at the team celebrity poker function was comical epitomizing what kind of character he was.

Best of luck in Toronto buddy. I’m sure he’ll fit right in.